Pearson Ousted as U-M Hockey Coach – Saturday Sports Wrap

Click on the highlighted scores for more details.

MLB

Tigers pitchers gave up 13 walks in a 5-3 loss to the Rays last night. Starter Bryan Garcia handed out six over four innings, but allowed just one hit, and no runs. He left with a 3-0 lead, thanks in part to a two-run Riley Green homer in the second. Tampa Bay came back with a run off Will Vest in the fifth, another off Jason Foley in the sixth, and three off Joe Jiménez in the eighth.

The Tigers entertain the Rays again tonight. Garrett Hill will start against Shane McClanahan. Coverage begins at 6:50 on 99.3 The Lift.

After the game, Garcia was optioned back to Toledo.

A day after Miguel Cabrera mused about a possible retirement, he backtracked yesterday. The Tigers’ future Hall-of-Famer said he’s determined to fulfill his contract, which runs through next season.

The Brewers snapped their four-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Reds last evening. Rowdy Tellez and Tyrone Taylor homered, as the Crew plated all their runs in the first two innings. Eric Lauer turned in a strong start, allowing a run over seven frames.

The Brewers host the Reds again tonight. Aaron Ashby will start against Nick Lodolo.

College Hockey

Mel Pearson is out as the hockey coach at the University of Michigan. School officials confirmed yesterday that his contract will not be renewed.

Pearson had been the subject of several complaints, including charges that he created a toxic work environment, that he had encouraged players to lie on COVID-19 tracking forms, and that he knew about alleged sexual misconduct by a former physician in the Wolverines’ athletic program.

The Michigan athletic department had hired a law firm to investigate the allegations. The report, which was obtained by the Detroit Free Press yesterday, confirmed most of the charges, and said Pearson had lied to investigators.

Pearson is a Michigan Tech graduate. He was an assistant coach for the Wolverines for many seasons before taking the head coaching job at his alma mater in 2011. He led the Huskies back to national prominence before returning to Ann Arbor in 2017. His contract at Michigan had expired this spring, but he was still considered a staff member, and was being paid.

College Football

The Michigan Tech football team has brought in two new assistants. Eric Hubbard will coach linebackers. He filled the same role at St. Norbert College for the past couple of seasons. Kellen O’Neill will coach wide receivers. He was on the staff at Gannon University last season.

College Soccer

The Finlandia University men’s soccer team has added a new player. Brody Garrett was a team captain at Fernley High School in Nevada.

College Baseball

The Finlandia baseball team has added three assistant coaches. Jack Brundage was a student assistant coach last season, after playing four seasons with the Lions. Cole Jepsen was a standout at Houghton High School, and has helped coach the Marquette Blues American Legion team the past two seasons. Matt Valin will be the pitching coach, after three years on the staff at Jefferson Community College in New York.

Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.