'M' pitching corps falters in losses

This past weekend could not have been more important for the Michigan pitching staff. The Wolverines, who have been cloaked in inconsistency this season, were facing rival Michigan State for a four-game series.

Michigan's pitchers put together a dismal ERA of 7.15 and lost three of four to Michigan State over the weekend.

Up until this past Friday, Brian Berryman had the best ERA of any pitcher in the starting rotation (5.22 ERA). In addition, he was the only starter with a winning record (3-2).

Berryman's start against Michigan State was unimpressive, and very wild. Berryman was shelled in the third inning, giving up seven earned runs on five hits. In addition, he hit three batters.

"Brian has been one of our most consistent pitchers this season," Michigan coach Geoff Zahn said. "Friday was very uncharacteristic of Brian, and he was off all afternoon."

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Michigan shortstop Scott Tousa has had a fine year with the bat, hitting .343. But he managed just three hits against the Spartans this weekend.

On Saturday, the Wolverines traveled to East Lansing for a doubleheader. Brian Cranson was looking for redemption, but all he found was another loss - a 7-2 drubbing.

At times this season Cranson has pitched brilliantly, but he's often lacked offensive support. Saturday, though, Cranson barely made it out of the second, and was pulled in the third after surrendering a solo home run.

Bryce Ralston's relief effort provided the Wolverines was no better. Ralston pitched the final three innings, giving up four runs on seven hits.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily By the time southpaw Nick Alexander entered the game yesterday, the damage was done. Michigan trailed 7-1 when starter J.J. Putz left the game.

Brian Steinbach (2-5, 7.58) delivered the lone Wolverine win of the series. Steinbach's complete game shutout was "definitely an impressive performance," Zahn said. Steinbach gave up seven hits while striking out five.

The Wolverines' final game against Michigan State yesterday could not have started or ended in more disappointing fashion. J.J Putz, who has battled injuries all season, started yesterday afternoon, but was pulled after the second inning.

The floodgates opened up on Putz as soon as he threw his first pitch. In two innings, he gave up seven runs on six hits.

Tyler Steketee, who in the past couple weeks has been untouchable, gave up a crucial game-winning two-run homer with two outs in the top of the ninth.

04-20-98