MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — In a stunning offensive display led by a historic performance from Harrison Bowman, the Central Michigan Chippewas erupted for 18 runs on 21 hits to overwhelm the Toledo Rockets 18-7 in a non-conference baseball game Saturday evening.

The game, played on March 21, 2026, at Theunissen Stadium, was a dramatic reversal from the series opener just a day prior, where Toledo cruised to a 10-1 victory. This time, the Chippewas’ bats answered emphatically.

Toledo struck first, manufacturing a pair of runs in the third inning on sacrifice flies by Connor McCranie and Chase Walton to take an early lead. Central Michigan chipped away, however, scoring single runs in the first, third and fourth innings off Toledo starter Deron Swanson, who worked five innings and allowed five runs, only three earned, on seven hits.

The game’s complexion shifted decisively in the bottom of the sixth. Trailing 7-5, Central Michigan sent nine men to the plate against Toledo reliever Jack Langbehn. The Chippewas scored three times, capped by a two-run double from Joey Milto, to seize an 8-7 lead they would not relinquish.

Toledo mounted a threat in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with no outs against Chippewas starter Tyson Potts. Reliever Evan Niehaus entered and, despite allowing three runs on a double by Cade Baker and RBI singles from Troy Sudbrook and McCranie, managed to limit the damage and preserve a one-run lead.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings, where Central Michigan blew the game open with a relentless offensive onslaught. The Chippewas sent 12 batters to the plate in the seventh, scoring five runs. The rally was highlighted by a three-run double from Bowman, who later scored on Logan Keilen’s second RBI double of the game.

Bowman, who was hitless in four at-bats in Friday’s loss, saved his best for last in the eighth. With the bases loaded and two outs, the right fielder launched a grand slam to left field off Toledo reliever Arturo Ormaza. The blast, his first of the season, capped a nine-RBI night, a career-high and one of the top single-game performances in program history. Bowman finished 4 for 5 with two runs scored.

Central Michigan’s 21-hit attack was widespread. Keilen went 3 for 5 with three RBIs, Milto had two hits and two RBIs, and Miguel Correa Jr. and Zach Knowlton each contributed two hits and two runs batted in. Every starter in the Chippewas lineup recorded at least one hit.

Potts earned the win for Central Michigan, improving his record despite allowing seven runs, four earned, on five hits over six-plus innings. He struck out two. Niehaus and Sam Keller combined for three innings of relief.

Langbehn took the loss for Toledo, surrendering three runs in one inning of work. The Rockets managed 11 hits, with Baker, Sudbrook and McCranie each collecting two. Their offense, however, could not keep pace with Central Michigan’s record-setting output.

The victory improved Central Michigan’s season record to 8-11, while Toledo evened its mark at 10-10. The two teams are scheduled to conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.