AVON, Ohio — No. 3 Toledo (30-27) secured an 8–2 victory over No. 6 Ball State (25-29) behind a complete-game performance from 2026 MAC Pitcher of the Year Nathan Leininger at ForeFront Field on Wednesday with a strong offensive showing to open the 2026 MAC Baseball Championship at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio.
The Rockets move on to play No. 2 Kent State on Thursday, May 21 at 6PM ET live on ESPN+.
Toledo's lineup collected 12 hits, including a home run, and capitalized on Ball State's pitching for three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. The Rockets' pitching staff completed the game, allowing eight hits and striking out eight, while limiting Ball State to two runs over nine innings.
Troy Sudbrook was a standout performer for Toledo, making a significant impact at the plate. He recorded three hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs. JP Wagner also made his presence felt, crossing the plate twice and drawing two walks, highlighting his discipline and effectiveness in getting on base. On the mound, Leininger delivered a complete game, striking out eight batters while allowing just two earned runs. His performance anchored the Rockets' defense and secured a decisive win.
Brett Griffiths led the Cardinals with two runs scored, showcasing his ability to get on base with three walks in the game. Kenskey Thomas made a significant impact as a pinch hitter, recording two hits and driving in a run. On the pitching side, Zach Kwasny provided stability from the mound, pitching 3 innings, allowing just one earned run, and striking out three batters. These performances highlight key contributors in both offensive and defensive plays for Ball State.
Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Rob Reinstetle
"He's (Nathan Leininger) the conference pitcher of the Year for a reason. He went out there showed it today. He kept them off balance, worked his way out of a couple of really big jams where they had a chance to get back into the game. That's what a true ace does, he showed that all day long. It's awesome.
"Troy Sudbrook started it off with a home run set the tone for everything. Then the 2nd time to the order. We talked about it yesterday. We had to get the big hit when we needed it. We had a bunch of 2-out RBIs, 2-out hits that just kept extending innings, kept extending his pitch count, we got him out of there. He was at 100 pitches in the 5th inning, which is exactly what we wanted to do.
"JP Wagner, who was 0 for 1 today, got two walks in HBP and scored a couple of runs. Ryan Sudbrook had big hit there with two outs to score a run. Jacob Payne. The same thing, getting a big hit. Those guys were very productive and we're going to need them to continue to do that."
