It will be overcast and in the mid-60s at The Fish today, with a
mix of rain and peanuts pouring down from above. It is a simple
case of Opening Day weather on a baseball diamond.
“I’m really excited — It’s great to be
home,” sophomore shortstop Jeremy Goldschmeding said.
“It’s fun to travel around, don’t get me wrong.
But up here, it’s home; you love to play at home.”
The Wolverines (5-9) will open a nine-game homestand against
Oakland (4-8) at 3 p.m. today. The game will be one of four for the
Wolverines as part of the Michigan classic. Detroit (1-8) will join
Oakland, as both will play the Wolverines, twice over the
weekend.
Last years opener with Central Michigan provided plenty for the
home fans to cheer about, as Michigan thumped the Chippewas,
15-6.
The Golden Grizzlies are coming into the weekend riding a
four-game winning streak. First baseman Michael Trosen took home
Mid-Continent Baseball Player of the Week honors for his three-run
homer and two-RBI double in a game against Ohio University last
week.
“We can’t take any of these teams lightly,”
said senior pitcher Bobby Garza, who will pitch Saturday against
Oakland. “We can’t let anybody come into our place and
push us around.”
Sophomore Derek Feldkamp will take the hill in the opener for
Michigan. The hard-throwing right-hander has been solid out of the
bullpen all season. Today marks just the second starting nod of his
career.
“He’s shown signs of really emerging as a top-flight
pitcher,” Michigan coach Rich Maloney said. “His
fastball is really lively.”
Today marks the first opening day in Ann Arbor for sophomore
second baseman Chris Getz and junior first baseman Kyle Bohm, of
whom both transferred here this season. Getz will be the first
player to step into the box for the Wolverines after spending his
freshman year at Wake Forest. Despite his .255 average, he has
swiped four bases and driven in 12 runs. For Bohm, who came to
Michigan from Auburn, arriving in Ann Arbor provides an opportunity
to show off his talent. He currently sits second in RBIs and third
in batting average for the Wolverine squad.
“I think it’s great being here from Auburn.”
Bohm said. “I get the chance to play every day.”
Junior catcher Jeff Kunkel will also get his first opportunity
to step out from the shadow left by Jake Fox at home. Known
primarily for his glove, Kunkel has been crushing the ball during
the early portion of the season. His .395 batting average is second
on the team.
“He’s really been swinging the bat and he’s
been taking charge,” Maloney said.
Inconsistencies have plagued Michigan thus far this season. It
will need a combined effort from the offense, defense and pitching
staff to get on the winning track. “We have to put
whatever’s happened behind us, the good and the bad,”
Garza said. “Our goal is to be ready for the Big
Ten.”
There is no place like The Fish to get started.