Rutgers University
Michigan State
Baseball Hosts Michigan State for Big Ten Opener
Mar 12 | Baseball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers baseball is set to open Big Ten play this weekend when it hosts Michigan State for a three-game series at Bainton Field.
The Scarlet Knights (9-7, 0-0) took two-of-three over the weekend at home against Bryant before splitting its midweek games against Wagner (W) and Fordham (L).
The Spartans (4-11, 0-3) most recently were swept on the road at Nebraska in Big Ten play before rebounding at home in midweek action against Eastern Michigan.
All three games this weekend will be streamed on B1G+. Fans can follow along on X (@RutgersBaseball) for live updates. Live stats will be available here.
Series History
Rutgers is 10-19 all-time against Michigan State, including an 8-13 mark in Big Ten play. The Spartans took two-of-three the last meeting in East Lansing in 2024. The last meeting in Piscataway was in 2023, with Michigan State winning two-of-three.
The 2026 Scarlet Knights
- The 2026 roster features a total of 39 players, with 15 returners and 24 newcomers.
- Of the 24 newcomers, 11 are true freshmen and 13 are transfers.
- Head Coach Steve Owens enters his seventh season at the helm of the program and has accumulated four consecutive winnings season with RU.
- Ryan Fecteau joins the program as associate head coach/pitching following an eight-year stint at Virginia Tech as pitching coach.
- Former major leaguer Frank Schwindel also joins the staff as director of player personnel.
Bonds at the Top
- Peyton Bonds has been the team's top hitter, starting all 16 games in centerfield and batting leadoff.
- Bonds leads RU with a .379 batting average, 25 hits, 17 runs scored, three home runs, 38 total bases and six stolen bases.
Zack K's Dominance
- Zack Konstantinovsky has been dominant in his return after missing 2025 with injury.
- In four weekend starts, Konstantinovsky owns a 1.69 ERA in 21.1 innings, including 24 strikeouts with just 10 hits and seven walks allowed.
- He has not allowed a run in his last two starts (12 innings), with RU winning three of his four starts this season
Roster Reloaded
- Rutgers recruited the top transfer portal class in the Big Ten, per 64Analytics, with the haul consisting of 13 players (5 pitchers, 8 position players).
- Among in the incoming transfers, INF Charlie Meglio and OF Chase Krewson were both named Big Ten Players to Watch,
- The Scarlet Knights also welcome the top ranked recruiting class in program history, consisting of 11 true freshmen ready for their debut season on the Banks.
Returning Up the Middle
- The Scarlet Knights return all three starters up the middle in C Matt Chatelle, SS Yomar Carreras and CF Peyton Bonds. Bonds was named a Big Ten Player to Watch and the No. 9 2026 MLB Draft Prospect in the conference by D1Baseball.
- Carreras was also named the No. 9 2027 MLB Draft Prospect in the big Ten by D1Baseball.
Rotation Diversity
- Rutgers will use the trio of RHP Dallin Harrison, RHP Zack Konstantinovsky and RHP Chris Sand as its starting rotation this week.
- Harrison is junior transfer from San Diego who has worked his way into a weekend role for RU after a strong fall and preseason.
- Konstantinovsky returns to the rotation after missing 2025 due to injury.
- So far in 2026, he has pitched to a 2.20 ERA with 19 strikeouts just six walks in 16.1 innings.
- Sand, a true freshman, has started each of the last two Sundays and seen extended action all three weekends.
- He threw three strong innings on Sunday against Troy, giving up just one run on a solo home run across three innings, striking out one with no walks.
Lineup Experience
- In addition to three returning starters, the RU lineup projects to feature loads of experience.
- Behind the dish, Matt Chatelle (129) and Trey Wells (114) have a combined 243 games of collegiate experience.
- Infield transfers Ryan Jaros (56), Charlie Meglio (102) and Quinten Perilli (130) combine for 288 games of collegiate experience.
- In the outfield, Chase Krewson (91) and Tristan Salinas (55) both offer plenty of starting experience.
Defensive Excellence
- Rutgers has been among the best defensive teams in the country the last four seasons. RU is one of just six teams with a .976 fielding percentage in each of the last four seasons (Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Oregon, Vanderbilt)
- In that timeframe, a pair of shortstops in Danny DiGeorgio (2022) and Josh Kuroda-Grauer (2024) were both All-Americans and Brooks Wallace Award finalists for the best shortstop in the country.
Professional Development
- Rutgers is the only team in the Big ten to have a top-three round pick in the MLB Draft in each of the last three seasons: Trevor Cohen (2025, R3 - Giants), Josh Kuroda-Grauer (2024, R3 - Athletics) and Ryan Lasko (2023 - R2 - Athletics)
- In total, RU has seen 16 players either drafted or signed to MLB organizations since 2021.
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