EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio is scheduled to throw out the first pitch prior to the Detroit Tigers’ July 9 game against Cleveland at Comerica Park. The first-pitch ceremony is slated for 6:59 p.m., with game time set for 7:05 p.m.

In his first season at Michigan State, Dantonio guided the Spartans to a 7-6 record, including the program’s first postseason bowl appearance in four years (2007 Champs Sports Bowl against Boston College). Michigan State won its final two games of the regular season for the first time since 1999, with victories at Purdue and over Penn State. The Spartans lost six games by a combined total of 31 points, including two in overtime, and all six of those games were decided by seven points or less.

Dantonio became the first coach in Spartan history to begin his initial season 4-0, as Michigan State opened the 2007 campaign with wins over UAB, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. With the 31-14 victory over the Irish, the Spartans became the first opponent to win six-straight games in the 77-year history of Notre Dame Stadium.

Michigan State opens the 2008 season Aug. 30 at California. The game will be televised on a regional basis by ABC, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.

Fans interested in attending the Tigers’ July 9 game against Cleveland may order tickets online at detroit.tigers.mlb.com or by calling the Detroit Tigers Ticket Office at 1-866-66-TIGER.