Michigan State, Lansing Lugnuts set for 15th Crosstown Showdown

Sarah Smith

The Michigan State Spartans huddle before a game during the 2022 MSU baseball season. Photo Credit: Sarah Smith/WDBM

Jack Latterman, Baseball Beat Reporter
April 4, 2023

EAST LANSING- Michigan State baseball heads down the road on Michigan Ave. to face off against the Lansing Lugnuts for the 2023 Crosstown Showdown at Jackson Field Tuesday night.

The last meeting between the neighboring teams was in 2022 when the Lugnuts defeated MSU 3-2.  

The Spartans are coming off a 2-1 weekend in Piscataway, New Jersey against Rutgers, bringing their conference record to 4-2.

In the series, Joseph Dzierwa and Harrison Cook recorded wins on the pitching side, catcher Bryan Broecker batted in six runs in game two, and first basemen Brock Vradenburg had three RBIs in game three.

The Lugnuts are the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletic’s and they play in the Midwest League.  They have not started their season yet, so this will be their first action prior to opening night Friday.  Last season, Lansing had 54 wins and 77 losses.

The Crosstown Showdown has been played since 2007 and the Lugnuts lead the series nine to two.  Although the two don’t play every year, they have 11 of the past 15 seasons.

In the first-ever meeting between the two teams, the Lugnuts held off MSU 4-3 and slammed the door on the comeback efforts.

Michigan State got its first win in the showdown in 2009, defeating Lansing 12-2 in front of almost 13,000 fans.  

MSU also held on to a 2-1 win in 2011 but has lost nine straight since then.

First pitch is slotted for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at Jackson Field, home of the Lansing Lugnuts.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive green and white Lugnuts jerseys upon entry.  A number of Spartans will also be available for autographs before the game.