February 22, 2023

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

When the Michigan Wolverines opened their 2023 season last week, they handed the ball to Connor O'Halloran to make the start.

And O'Halloran didn't disappoint, helping the Wolverines secure a 6-2 win over Fresno State in their first game of the MLB Desert Invitational in Mesa, Ariz.

Working around a pair of second inning runs, only one of which was earned, the junior southpaw went on to last six innings to pick up the win. He allowed five hits and struck out four.

After throwing 6 2/3 innings in his freshman campaign in 2021, O'Halloran took major steps forward in 2022. He finished the season 5-4 in 19 appearances, 18 of which were starts, with a 5.44 ERA. Over 92 2/3 innings he struck out 104. When the Wolverines opened the Louisville Regional against the Oregon Ducks, it was the former Terrier they turned the ball over to.

His next start will likely come on Friday when the Wolverines head west for a three-game series at Cal State Fullerton.

Honourable Mentions

Outfielder Elijha Hammill made his college debut after redshirting in 2022. The switch-hitting speedster went 4-for-5 with a two-run home run and four RBIs as Utah downed the University of San Francisco 11-9 to open the season.

St. Petersburg College right-hander Matt Brown added nine strikeouts to his season total in a start against the College of Central Florida. He lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits in a 9-7 win. He walked five in the outing.

Sam Worthen made his first appearance of the season as D'Youville University dropped a 5-2 decision to Mercyhurst. Worthen threw 1 1/3 innings of relief and surrendered a hit, one run and walked one.

The Muskingum Fighting Muskies got their season underway and Liam Carey was strong in relief despite the team suffering a 10-6 loss to Washington & Jefferson. Carey worked a scoreless inning and recorded a strikeout.

Ryan O'Halloran had a hit and two walks in Butler University's series split with Fairleigh Dickinson.

University of Charleston infielder AJ Karosas legged out a triple and drove in a run in a 3-2 win over Bloomsburg. After being swept by Wingate on opening weekend, the Golden Eagles took all three-games against the Huskies to get back to .500.