2018 MLB Draft-ish: Michigan Defeats Rutgers 9-4 with Juniors Engelmann and Nelson Solid Play and Freshman Franklin's Career Day

Michigan Outfielder Jonathan Engelmann (Photo Courtesy of MGoBlue.Com)

Following a tough loss to Rutgers the previous night, 15-9, Michigan, ranked 13th in the country,
looked to bounce back and redeem itself with a victory. With the memory fresh of them allowing eight runs to score in the eighth inning in its defeat, the Wolverines knew they had to put runs on the board to secure a win the following day. Having that thought in mind, Michigan was extra-aggressive on the base paths directing it to a 9-4 win on Saturday, May 5 in Piscataway.

Beginning with a bunt single by leadoff hitter Jordan Nwogu, he stole second and then attempted to advance another 90 feet, being caught stealing on a quick tag by third baseman Carmen Scalfani.

That didn't deter the Wolverines from seeking to advance to the nearest base whenever the opportunity presented itself. As the team gathered six stolen bases on the afternoon, being caught just one other time.

Michigan third baseman Blake Nelson spoke about the team's aggressiveness on the bases, "Our coaches preach always trying to get 90 feet closer to home, trying to score ... In the right situations, being aggressive, getting good jumps. It's what we've been doing all year, just trying to push the envelope."

Nobody pushed the envelope more than centerfielder Jonathan Engelmann, accounting for half of the team's stolen bases. Entering the game with a team-leading 17 steals, the 6'3, 200-pound junior was three for three in his attempts en route to scoring four runs on the afternoon. Nearly accounting for half of the team's runs scored, as well.

Finishing the game batting 2-2,  Engelmann reached base five times in total — two hard hit singles to left, two base on balls, and one hit by a pitch. If that wasn't enough, he made an outstanding diving catch in right centerfield to save an extra base hit. Also leading the team with a .374 batting average, complemented by a high quality .441 on-base percentage, Engelmann showcased all the various tools he's displayed throughout the season.

His all-around skill set and production make him a prime candidate for Big Ten Conference Player of the Year and to be selected with a valued draft pick of an MLB organization next month.

Standing in position to take advantage of his teammates aggressive ways, Nelson came to bat on multiple occasions with runners in scoring position. Stepping up to the plate, both literally and figuratively, he finished with two base hits and two runs batted in. Including a run-scoring ground rule double, which one-hopped near the track and over the fence in left field.

A junior college transfer from South Mountain Community College in Arizona, his double in the third inning gave the Wolverines the lead 3-2 and he then extended the team's advantage later in the game, making it 8-3 with an RBI single.

While Engelmann and Nelson definitely played significant parts in the Michigan win, the biggest performance of the afternoon, arguably, was that by freshman Jesse Franklin. The 6'1, 205-pound left handed batter had an excellent game up at the plate, with a game-high three hits. Including his first career triple, which plated a couple of runs.

Even when not tallying a base hit, Franklin put the ball in play and batted in a run on a fielder's choice to second baseman Kevin Walsh, who was just a tad late on a throw to home plate trying to get Engelmann.

A 37th round pick of the Seattle Mariners in last year's draft, before deciding to follow through on his commitment to the University of Michigan, he also added to the Wolverines stolen bases total, accounting for one himself.

Franklin wasn't the only freshman paying dividends for the Wolverines as tall, left hander Ben Dragani simultaneously continued what has been an excellent introduction to college baseball for the both of them. Pitching six and two/thirds innings, the 6'6 hurler struck out a career-high seven batters, allowing three earned runs on seven hits. Earning the win, Dragani improved his record to an impressive 6-0.

Showing poise on the mound after allowing Rutgers to get out to an early 2-0 lead, he was successful in locating his fastball and placing his highly-effective breaking ball. In addition to generating a few swing and misses, Dragani was able to get four batters called out looking, limiting the Scarlet Knights to two walks.

Rutgers gained the first lead of the game in the second inning, in thanks large to redshirt senior first baseman Chris Folinusz and redshirt freshman shortstop Dan DiGeorgio. Both lead the team with two hits and each batted in a run.

Two players likely to hear their name called in the early rounds of the upcoming MLB Draft are  Rutgers juniors, catching prospect Nick Matera and dual-sport athlete, centerfielder Jawaun Harris.

Matera served as the designated hitter on the day, receiving a break from behind the plate. Going 0-3 with two strikeouts, he also worked a walk and was the victim of Engelmann's diving catch to begin the bottom half of the eighth inning.

Harris —who has started at both wide receiver and defensive back on the Scarlet Knights' football team — also went hitless on the day, going 0-2, with two strikeouts — one looking. He reached base twice via walk, scoring in the second inning to give Rutgers it's initial 2-0 lead.

Entering the game with 20 stolen bases, the 5'9 speedster was caught stealing at second base to end the bottom of the eight inning, after having previously worked a walk with the count full.  It was just the fourth time he'd been thrown out all season, which left the game 9-4 that ultimately resulted in the final score.

With the victory, Michigan kept pace atop the Big Ten, having the best record in conference along with Minnesota at 13-3 — 28-14 overall. Following the win, Nelson spoke about the team staying focused on the present and not looking to forward into the future — a future which could include a Big Ten Conference Championship and maybe, even, a College World Series.

"We're just trying to look at it one game at a time, we're trying not to look too far into the standings ... We don't really talk or think about all the big stuff at the end of the season. We just try to focus on the next game, the next pitch, the next at-bat. Just really win that way."

Having improved from previous seasons, Rutgers sits in the middle of the pack of the conference with a record of 7-10 (24-19). They pose a threat to any team in the Big Ten, with four wins against nationally ranked opponents this season. Their game against the Wolverines on Friday night being the most recent one.

After Saturday's matchup the Wolverines lead the all-time series 6-5 between the universities, a series which began in 2015 when the Scarlet Knights entered the Big Ten Conference. Should recent history serve as any indicator of what's to come in the future, the matchup between these two programs is one to watch. While players on both sides will likely soon proceed to playing in the professional ranks, each possess a number of prospects that should be of notice in the next couple of seasons.

Michigan will likely look to fill the void of Engelmann, but should be in good hands with Franklin and Dragani, as well as freshman outfielder Jordan Nwogu, whose also had a productive first season.

As senior infielders Folinusz and Scalfani will graduate, Rutgers may also witness other departures. With Matera, Harris, and relief pitcher Serafino Brito possibly pursuing professional careers, their future success will likely be led be freshman DiGeorgio and starting pitcher Harry Rutkowski, who opposed Dragani on the mound Saturday — entering the game with a team leading 49 strikeouts in 57 innings.