SURPRISE, Ariz. (Interstat) — Defying preseason projections, the Michigan Wolverines opened their 2026 campaign with a 5-3 victory over the Oregon State Beavers on Friday at Surprise Stadium. In a game that stretched from afternoon into evening, the unranked Wolverines leveraged timely hitting and clutch relief pitching to secure an upset win in the season opener for both teams.

Interstat’s ELO system had given Oregon State a 74 percent probability to win, but Michigan’s resilience in key moments rendered those forecasts moot.

The Beavers struck first in the bottom of the opening inning against Michigan starter Dylan Carey. After a leadoff walk to Travis Singer, Elijah Talt drove an RBI double to right-center field. Two more singles, including a run-scoring hit from Brady Krieg, staked Oregon State to an early 2-0 lead before a double play halted the rally.

Michigan answered forcefully in the top of the second. Left fielder Brenden Stressler connected for a solo home run to right-center field, his first of the season, cutting the deficit in half.

The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the top of the sixth inning, with Michigan still trailing 3-2. After Oregon State reliever Jacob Kmatz recorded two quick outs, Stressler sparked a rally with an infield single. Stephen Pace followed with a single, and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Catcher Mitch Haeger then delivered the biggest hit of the day, lacing a two-run single up the middle to score both runners and give Michigan its first lead at 4-3. The second run was unearned due to the passed ball.

Michigan added a critical insurance run in the eighth. Pinch-runner Dane Morrow, running for designated hitter Cade Ladehoff who had doubled, and Josh Campbell, running for catcher Noah Miller who had walked, both moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by pinch-hitter Cooper Mullens. Haeger came through again, driving a two-run single to shallow right field to plate both runners and extend the Wolverine lead to 5-3.

Oregon State threatened repeatedly but could not overcome missed opportunities. The Beavers loaded the bases with one out in the sixth against Michigan reliever Aidan Lally. Singer hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Matthew Ossenfort, who fired home to cut down the lead runner. Talt then lined out to shortstop to end the threat. The Beavers put the tying run on base in the ninth, but Michigan closer Wyatt DeVooght entered to record the final out and seal the victory.

Haeger finished with two hits and four RBIs, driving in all but one of Michigan’s runs. Stressler had two hits, including the home run, and scored twice. For Oregon State, Talt and Krieg each had an RBI.

Kurt Barr earned the win in relief for Michigan, while Oregon State starter Eric Whitney took the loss. DeVooght recorded the save.

With the win, Michigan begins the season 1-0. Oregon State starts 0-1. The two teams are scheduled to meet again Monday in Surprise as part of a multi-team event.

Michigan is set to face Stanford on Saturday, while Oregon State will play Arizona.