Michigan started off its 2025 season about as good as it could have hoped for with a 4-0 trip to Puerto Rico last weekend, including a win over then-No. 2 ranked Virginia to kickoff the weekend. The resume looks good for Tracy Smith’s team right now, but it’ll have the chance to look even better with some intriguing matchups this weekend.
For the next three days, Michigan will be taking part in the Amegy Bank College Baseball series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers. It’ll be a great chance for Michigan to not only play in a big league ballpark, but to face three high-caliber opponents, including two currently ranked in the d1baseball.com top-25 rankings.
Here’s a look at each of Michigan’s opponents this weekend.
Friday, Feb. 21 – vs. No. 22 TCU
Globe Life Field – 4 p.m. ET
TCU didn’t have a successful season by its standards last year by finishing 33-21. However, the Horned Frogs are usually in the NCAA Tournament picture and appear well on their way to being there again this year after going 4-0 against San Diego last weekend.
Senior Caedmon Parker got the start on the mound for TCU in its first game last weekend and will likely do the same against Michigan. He gave up three earned runs in 4.1 innings while striking out five hitters in his 2025 debut. He was an 11th-round draft pick after last season. Look for Dylan Vigue to start against him for the Wolverines.
As for the offense, two hitters really stood out last weekend for TCU. The first was Cole Cramer, a Washington State transfer that had seven hits and two homers. Additionally, utility man Isaac Cadena had two homers and five hits of his own across the four games.
Saturday, Feb. 22 – vs. Kansas State
Globe Life Field – 3 p.m. ET
Kansas State made it to the super regionals in last season’s NCAA Tournament, but it hasn’t been a banner start to 2025 as the Wildcats currently sit at 1-4. They have played some tough opponents so far, with two losses to Coastal Carolina, and losses against Washington and North Carolina.
Seth Dardar has been their best hitter so far. Through five games, he has nine hits and a 1.250 OPS. Additional names to watch are Dee Kennedy (.756 OPS), Kyan Lodice (.856 OPS), David Bishop (.728 OPS) and Nick English (.762 OPS).
As for the pitching staff, its been hit around a bit so far this year, as Kansas State is currently averaging nine runs against per game. Dean Blake pitched against North Carolina on Tuesday and currently leads the team with 5.1 innings pitched; don’t be surprised if Michigan sees him on Saturday. The Wolverines will likely be starting Kurt Barr in this game.
Sunday, Feb. 23 – vs. No. 5 Arkansas
Globe Life Field – 12 p.m. ET
Arkansas went 44-16 last season but got bounced in the regional round despite being the host team. Things are going well so far for the Razorbacks this year, as they’re off to a 4-0 start after making light work of Washington State last weekend. Year after year, Arkansas is a national power, and this year is no different.
This year, Arkansas has a few key players that could be MLB Draft prospects by the end of the season. The big name in the lineup is Wehiwa Aloy, a shortstop that was second-team All-SEC last year. He currently has five hits, one home run and a 1.064 OPS. Interestingly, his younger brother, Kuhio, has two homers this season, but has played in just two games.
Arkansas is stacked on the mound. The name to know is Gage Wood, who held Washington State to two hits and two earned runs in five innings pitched last weekend. He’ll likely get the start against the Wolverines, but Landon Beidelschies, Gage Gaeckle, Zach Root and Christian Foutch are all solid pitchers as well. Michigan will likely counter with either Will Rogers or Gavin DeVooght.
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