Big Ten - Minnesota's Last Shot

By Courtney Ratkowiak - May 27, 2007

Bottom 9th - The second-ranked Golden Gophers have one chance left before they are out of the tournament, and the Nittany Lions are three outs away from playing Ohio State in the championship game after losing their first game and playing in the loser's bracket all weekend. Penn State has definitely fought hard these past few days, while Minnesota's only loss was against Ohio State, and either team that goes against Ohio State today deserves it ... but Penn State has put on more of a show.

And ... Kevin Carlson starts out the inning with a single and moves to second on a sac bunt. One out, man on second. He moves to third on a fielder's choice ... two outs, man on third. Minnesota's championship hopes all depend on Carlson and the next batter, Matt Nohelty. Nohelty is 2-for-4 today, not too bad for a man whose at-bat right now needs to be a hit.

Nohelty hits it and ... Carlson is running home, he makes it, Nohelty is safe on first and the Golden Gophers have just tied the game in the ninth inning, two outs. Wow.

And Dan Lyons hits it to the shortstop, who whips it to second. Nohelty is out, but no matter - the game is tied 3-3 and they're going into extra innings.

Penn State was in this position yesterday - Michigan tied with two outs in the ninth inning, but Penn State came back with a home run in the 10th to seal the game. It'll be interesting to see how they react in this extra-inning game.