Big Ten - Crunch Time for Michigan

By Courtney Ratkowiak - May 25, 2007

Bottom 10th - In the most exciting game of this Big Ten tournament to date, Penn State is leading Michigan in the tenth inning, 6-5. Michigan right fielder Doug PIckens is at the plate, full count.

And he strikes out looking on a pitch that seems to be borderline outside, though it could go either way. The crowd boos. Pickens walks back to the dugout, but not before yelling at the umpire in disgust. One out. Derek VanBuskirk is up, the athlete whose big hits this game has already helped to bring Michigan to this point. VanBuskirk hits to the second baseman, a hit that automatically makes everyone gasp because it looks like a routine grounder - but the Penn State second baseman bobbles it, sending VanBuskirk to first.

Cislo hits a bouncer to the pitcher, who sends it to first base. VanBuskirk to second, two outs.

And Roblin grounds out. Three outs, and the Wolverines are two-and-out in this Big Ten tournament.

The first seed is the second team out of the tournament.

Final score: 6-5, Penn State, 10 innings.