'M' baseball blanks Detroit

Last weekend the Michigan baseball team was outscored 45-21 while dropping three out of four to conference foe Illinois - not a good way to begin a defense of the Big Ten title. But in yesterday's near-flawless 7-0 shutout of Detroit, they once again looked like the Wolverines of last year.

Initially, the weather looked like it would prevent the game from even getting underway. The tarp was not lifted from the field until five minutes before game time, and a light drizzle still lingered. By the time the tarp was removed and the pitchers warmed up, the starting time was already 40 minutes late.

NATHAN RUFFER/Daily Four Michigan pitchers combined to shut out Detroit, 7--0, yesterday at Ray Fisher Stadium.

But as the weather cleared, the Wolverines' pitching, offense and defense were impeccable. The offense churned out 11 hits, while the Michigan pitchers only allowed the Titans three.

"Today's performance was much improved," Michigan coach Geoff Zahn said. "We know we have a good team, it's just the consistency all around that we have been lacking."

Detroit was certainly not a weak opponent. Yesterday against Wayne State, the Titans recorded 19 hits and 17 runs. But yesterday afternoon, the Wolverines handed Detroit their first shutout of the season.

The most impressive performances were from the pitching staff. Sophomore Bryan Cranson earned his first victory of the season in an impressive fashion. Cranson pitched five innings of no-hit ball while facing only 16 batters and collecting three strikeouts.

"My offspeed and breaking ball were really there today," Cranson said. "Its great to get my first win. It really gives me a lot of confidence for this weekend against Ohio State."

Although Cranson was pitching a no-hitter into the fifth inning, Zahn chose to pull him, and replace him with junior Robbie Reid. Zahn felt that having a Cranson rested was more important than the possible no-hitter. Cranson agreed with the substitution.

"I was not even thinking about the no-hitter," Cranson said. "This was a mid-week game, and I just want to be sharp for this weekend. I am just glad that things are working for me again after struggling in the last couple games."

Robbie Reid also made his first pitching appearance of the season, allowing just two hits.

"Robbie is a great addition to our team," Zahn said. "Having him pitch the middle relief is really going to help us this year. Once we get more into the season, we hope to see some really good things."

Freshman Nick Alexander and Junior Ryan Kelley pitched the eighth and ninth innings respectively. Both retired the side in order.

"Hopefully, the pitching will be great all season like it was today," Cranson said. "Once it gets back to where it should be I think we will really be a strong team."

The offense continued score as they have done all season, not wasting any time getting on the scoreboard.

Third baseman Mike Cervenak provided the most of the offensive firepower throughout the game. He went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, including a 375-foot home run in the bottom of the second. Cervenak also recorded his eighth home run of the season, already doubling last year's production.

Junior second baseman Bobby Scales went 3 for 5 with one RBI, while left fielder Jason Alcaraz also supplied run support, going two-for-three with two RBIs.

The heart of the lineup - consisting of brothers Derek and Bryan Besco - struggled, going just 1 for 9.

"Cervenak, Alcaraz and Scales all produced fairly well," Zahn said. "We are just concerned with the production of the Besco brothers.

"They are the heart of the lineup and for them to be in a slump hurts us."

04-02-98