ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a frantic late-inning rally and a dramatic final out, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies stunned the Michigan Wolverines 7-6 on Tuesday afternoon at Ray Fisher Stadium, overcoming a significant eighth-inning collapse and defying overwhelming pregame odds.

The victory improved Oakland’s record to 5-17, while Michigan fell to 11-12. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 4-3 Michigan victory, with its ELO system giving the Wolverines an 83.4% probability to win.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the eighth inning, turning a comfortable Oakland lead into a nail-biter. Leading 7-3 entering the frame, the Golden Grizzlies’ bullpen unraveled. After a walk and an error put runners on the corners, Michigan’s T.J. Culbertson delivered an RBI bunt single to make it 7-4. Following a pitching change, Brayden Jefferis hammered a two-run double to left-center field, clearing the bases and slashing the deficit to one run. Two more singles and a walk loaded the bases with just one out, bringing the winning run into scoring position.

Oakland manager Jordon Banfield then turned to reliever Stephen Ruhle, who escaped the jam by getting a shallow flyout and a strikeout to strand three runners and preserve a precarious 7-6 lead. That high-leverage escape proved to be the game’s pivotal moment.

The Golden Grizzlies built their early lead on the strength of a four-run second inning, keyed by a two-run single from shortstop Kyle Revere, who finished 4-for-5 with two RBIs. They added a run in the fifth on a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 7-0, a margin built largely on patient at-bats against a struggling Michigan starter.

Oakland’s early pitching was dominant. Starter George Hansen, named the top star, set the tone with three perfect innings, striking out three. Reliever Ethan Glassman followed with two more hitless frames. Combined, the duo retired the first 15 Wolverines they faced.

Michigan finally broke through in the fourth against the Oakland bullpen, scoring three runs, one unearned, on three singles and a productive groundout from Jefferis, who drove in three runs total. The Wolverines chipped away but were stymied until their explosive eighth.

The Golden Grizzlies added crucial insurance in the top of the ninth. After loading the bases with one out, pinch-hitter Brandon Day grounded out to drive in a run, and Brandon Griffith followed with a two-run single through the right side. Those three runs, making it 7-3 at the time, became the decisive margin after Michigan’s rally.

Michigan threatened again in the ninth, loading the bases with one out on two walks and a hit-by-pitch. Ryan Donley entered and needed just one pitch to induce a game-ending line-drive double play from Jefferis, snared by second baseman Griffith to seal the upset.

Erik Puodziunas provided a bright spot for Michigan in relief, striking out five over three innings while allowing one run. Tyler Finkbeiner and Justin Brown also contributed scoreless appearances for the Wolverines.

Oakland’s bullpen, despite the eighth-inning troubles, recorded critical zeros when it mattered most. Following Ruhle’s escape, Donley earned the save. The Golden Grizzlies collected nine hits to Michigan’s 10, but drew 11 walks.

Oakland travels to face Wright State on Friday to open a weekend series. Michigan will host Toledo on Wednesday before beginning Big Ten play at Rutgers on Friday.