Most kids have a teddy bear, an action figure or a blanket to make them feel safe.

The Michigan baseball team has junior catcher Chris Berset.

Michigan's safety blanket returned to action yesterday during the Wolverines’ doubleheader against Eastern Michigan.

The whole pitching staff, aside from senior Chris Fetter, has struggled of late, allowing an average of 8.7 runs over the last 10 games. In six of those contests, they allowed 10 or more runs, including Wednesday's 11-5 loss to the Eagles.

Berset played in his first game since breaking his thumb on his throwing hand in February against Jacksonville. And he’s already thinking about turning things around.

“It feels great just to be out there with the guys and to help them out," Berset said. “We’re going through a tough time right now and I’m just trying to help them out any way.”

He went 1-for-4 against the Eagles with a double and one RBI. Berset also was 1-for-2 on preventing stolen base attempts. BBeyond the stat sheet, the Wolverines will welcome back Berset's ability to handle their pitching staff.

“It’s tough,” Berset said. “I tried to battle with some of the pitchers. I mean they’re missing spots right now, and pitching is all about locating, changing speeds. And right now we’re not doing a very good job of it. So we need to pick it up. And someone’s got to go down, dig deep for us. That’s what we need.”

Berset could be the guy the pitchers need to help them “dig deep” in tough situations the rest of the season.

Michigan coach Rich Maloney and Berset both said the junior would have to shake the rust off after missing six weeks, and he said he still needed to get his “groove” back. Once he settles into that groove, his effectiveness as a catcher could make the pitching staff that much better.

Along with Berset's return, the pitching staff got a boost from sophomore pitcher Tyler Burgoon, who injured his shoulder against Oakland on Mar. 31.

He entered the first game of the doubleheader in the sixth inning with Michigan down by one. The Eagles had two runners on base and Eastern was poised to extend its lead.

When Michigan needed someone to shut down the Eagles, Burgoon delivered.

With just nine pitches, Burgoon efficiently pitched 1.1 innings. He got Eastern Michigan’s Jim Gulliver to fly out to end the scoring threat in the sixth. In the seventh, he induced a double play to end the game and improve his record to 3-0.

“It felt good,” Burgoon said. “Being back from an injury like that, it was scary at first – never know what’s going on in there. But it felt like forever just sitting out watching the team.”

The sophomore reliever is now tied with sophomore Matt Miller for the most appearances as a pitcher this season with 13 and is fourth on the team with a 3.24 ERA.

Burgoon pitched to Berset Wednesday and acknowledged the importance of having his batterymate back from injury.

“Having him back, I think, instills a lot of confidence,” Burgoon said. “He knows my pitches. He knows where it’s going to go. It’s great.”

Burgoon and the rest of the pitching staff are looking for positive while trying to reverse their recent slump. Maloney was also looking for bright spots in Wednesday’s disappointing split.

“The good thing is, I thought, Chris Berset, it was good to see him back out there,” Maloney said. "And the team feels so much more confident with him there, which is very encouraging.

“And the other thing is, Burgoon pitched an inning. We didn’t want to pitch him more, because we need him against Michigan State. Obviously from what you saw today we’re going to need him. But it’s really encouraging to see him back on the mound. So that’s a positive.”