Michigan State University Athletics
Crosstown Showdown Set for April 16, 2009
12/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Dec. 18, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The third annual Crosstown Showdown - the yearly clash between the Michigan State baseball team and the Lansing Lugnuts - has been set for Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 7:05 p.m. at Oldsmobile Park. Over the past two years, the game has attracted a total of more than 19,000 fans, with a stadium-record crowd of 12,862 in attendance last season.
"We're very excited about the opportunity to play in the third-annual Crosstown Showdown," said first-year MSU head coach Jake Boss. "It is a great event for the entire community and provides our student-athletes with a unique opportunity to play against professional ball players."
The 2009 edition of the Crosstown Showdown, sponsored by Auto-Owners Insurance, will be a nine-inning affair.
"Last year's event drew a record crowd so hopefully we can do the same again this year," said Boss. "Both the MSU athletic administration and the Lugnuts' front office do a fantastic job of putting this event together."
The Lugnuts, a Class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have won both of the previous contests by slim margins. Last season, in a seven-inning game, the Lugnuts edged the Spartans, 4-2. In the inaugural meeting in 2006, the Lugnuts defeated MSU, 4-3.
"The Lugnuts are excited about the third annual Crosstown Showdown presented by Auto-Owners Insurance," said Lugnuts general manager Pat Day. "We are excited to improve on the past two games and offer Mid-Michigan an event that truly ties the entire community together."
MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis also looks forward to this third-annual game.
"This is another excellent opportunity for one of our athletic programs to gather and engage our community by playing a game in downtown Lansing that was enjoyed by over 12,000 people last year," said Hollis. "We look forward to building on the tremendous success of previous years in continuing this unique event."
