Murray State Baseball, coached by Dan Skirka of Union City, Michigan, is on ESPN alongside Duke in the playoffs to advance to the National Championship game!
The magic of postseason baseball often brings unexpected teams into the national spotlight, and in this year’s NCAA baseball playoffs, few stories are more surprising and compelling than the one authored by Murray State University. The Racers, coached by Dan Skirka, a native of Union City, Michigan, have stunned the collegiate baseball world by not only advancing deep into the playoffs but by earning a place alongside powerhouse Duke in a dramatic game that will decide which team goes on to the National Championship. For a program that has historically lived in the shadows of bigger names, this moment is nothing short of historic, and it’s being broadcast to a national audience on ESPN.
Murray State’s journey to this point has been a combination of grit, talent, belief, and the steady hand of their head coach. Dan Skirka took over the program with a mission—to build something sustainable, something competitive, something that could one day surprise the nation. That day has arrived. Skirka’s baseball roots run deep, and his Midwest toughness and clarity of purpose have shaped a team that believes in itself no matter the odds. His upbringing in Union City, Michigan, a small town where community and hard work are values instilled early, has left an indelible mark on how he runs his program and connects with his players.
From the outset of the 2025 season, Murray State showed signs that this year might be different. While not ranked in the top 25 preseason polls, the Racers played with an edge that hinted at more than just incremental improvement. Their offense was explosive, anchored by a group of veteran hitters who combined discipline at the plate with a penchant for timely power. The pitching staff, while not filled with blue-chip recruits, executed with precision and heart, often outworking and outthinking their opposition. Behind all of this was Skirka, whose meticulous preparation and calm leadership gave his team confidence.
Their playoff run has been nothing short of cinematic. Murray State didn’t coast into the postseason; they fought for every inch. They battled in their regional bracket, outlasting some of the nation’s most respected programs. Along the way, they turned heads with their hustle, poise, and resilience. In one particularly memorable comeback win, the Racers overcame a six-run deficit in the final three innings, capped by a dramatic walk-off home run that sent their dugout and fans into a frenzy. The celebration wasn’t just about that one win—it was the realization that they were capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.
The Super Regional brought even more pressure and visibility. National media began to take notice, and the spotlight that usually shines on perennial contenders shifted toward this underdog squad from Kentucky. Skirka, ever composed, kept his team grounded. He talked about focusing on fundamentals, trusting each other, and not getting overwhelmed by the moment. His players responded with mature, fearless play that belied their lack of national tournament experience. Their victory in the Super Regional was a masterclass in execution, with smart baserunning, error-free defense, and clutch hitting.
And now, they stand at the precipice of the ultimate college baseball stage. Facing Duke—a program with a storied history and deep talent pool—is a daunting task. The Blue Devils are a team built for deep tournament runs, boasting a mix of future MLB talent and seasoned veterans. But Murray State isn’t just happy to be here. There’s a quiet defiance in the way they carry themselves. They’ve earned their place, and they fully intend to compete.
The ESPN broadcast has only amplified the attention surrounding the team. National analysts have marveled at the Racers’ journey, often pointing out the tactical savvy of Skirka and the remarkable chemistry of the squad. Viewers tuning in expecting a blowout have found themselves riveted by Murray State’s intensity and intelligence. It’s a team that doesn’t rely on one superstar but rather thrives on collective effort. One inning, it’s a freshman making a diving catch in center field. The next, it’s a senior legging out an infield single that sparks a rally. Their bench is animated and engaged, the dugout full of energy and belief.
Skirka’s influence on this group cannot be overstated. He’s not the kind of coach who seeks headlines or makes things about himself. He talks about the players, the university, and the journey. But it’s clear that his fingerprints are all over this success. His in-game decisions are sharp—pinch hitters at just the right time, defensive shifts that snuff out rallies, and bullpen management that maximizes every arm. But perhaps his greatest gift is cultural. He’s built a team that loves playing for each other, that competes with joy, and that doesn’t blink under pressure.
As the game against Duke unfolds, the contrast between the two programs becomes part of the narrative. One, a blue-blood with deep pockets and national recognition; the other, a mid-major defying expectations. But in baseball, none of that matters once the umpire says “play ball.” The scoreboard doesn’t care about reputation. And as the innings progress, Murray State shows it’s not only capable of hanging with Duke but of beating them. Their hitters are disciplined, forcing Duke’s ace to throw extra pitches. Their defense is crisp, turning double plays and gunning down runners. Their pitcher, a junior with a fastball that tops out in the low 90s, paints the corners and keeps Duke guessing.
The crowd is into it, sensing that an upset is in the making. And back in Union City, Michigan, where Dan Skirka’s story began, the support is overwhelming. Friends, family, former teammates, and coaches are glued to their screens, watching one of their own lead a team on the brink of history. For them, it’s personal. They remember the kid who hustled in everything he did, the one who never complained, who loved the game and respected it. To see him now, pacing the dugout at a national playoff game, is surreal and deeply moving.
Skirka’s connection to his roots has remained strong. He often speaks about the lessons he learned growing up in Union City, about how they shaped his coaching philosophy. Hard work, humility, and loyalty—those aren’t just words to him; they’re lived values. His players, many of whom weren’t highly recruited out of high school, have bought into that ethos. They’ve created a culture where egos are checked at the door and everything is about the team.
As the final innings approach, the pressure intensifies. Every pitch matters, every decision is magnified. ESPN’s cameras capture the tension on the faces of players and coaches. But Murray State remains composed. They’ve been here before—not literally, but in spirit. They’ve played close games all season. They’ve battled adversity. They’ve learned how to win.
In the eighth inning, with the score tied, Murray State executes a perfect hit-and-run. A bloop single drops into right field, and the go-ahead run crosses the plate. The dugout erupts. Skirka gives a rare fist pump, but he’s already thinking about the next move. The bullpen gets up again. His closer starts loosening. It’s all hands on deck now.
Duke doesn’t go quietly. In the bottom of the ninth, they get two runners on with one out. The tension is almost unbearable. But the Racers stay calm. A mound visit by the pitching coach resets the moment. The next batter hits a sharp ground ball to short. The fielder flips to second, then on to first. Double play. Game over.
Pandemonium ensues. Murray State has done the unthinkable. They’ve defeated Duke and punched their ticket to the National Championship game. The players mob each other on the field. Tears flow freely—tears of joy, of relief, of disbelief. The ESPN broadcast cuts to Skirka, who’s getting doused in a cooler of water. He laughs, soaked and smiling, a man who’s led a program to its greatest moment.
For college baseball, this is a reminder of the sport’s beauty. It’s not always about the biggest programs or the top draft prospects. Sometimes, it’s about belief. It’s about a coach from a small town who saw what others didn’t, about a team that refused to be defined by others’ expectations.
Murray State’s run isn’t just a Cinderella story. It’s a blueprint. It’s a testament to what can happen when leadership, culture, and talent align. As they prepare for the National Championship game, they carry the hopes of their school, their town, and every underdog who’s ever dared to dream big.
And for Dan Skirka, it’s the culmination of a vision years in the making. From Union City to the national stage, he’s shown that with heart, hard work, and belief, anything is possible.
