Corvallis: Sights and Sounds
By Casey Grogan - June 11, 2007
It is indescribable what happened to the Michigan pitching staff in today's match-up at Goss Stadium. After Zach Putnam threw a gem in a 1-0 loss, Michigan's staff could not find the plate against the Beavers of Oregon State. The Wolverine staff combined for 10 walks and a hit batter including four from starter Mike Wilson who went 1.1 innings.
Oregon State struck early as plating four runs in the second thanks to Wolverine pitchers offering free passes. OSU was able to benefit from a 3 hit 3 RBI day by shortstop Darwin Barney, whose double in the fifth plated one of three runs that inning.
OSU starting pitcher Mike Stutes was lights out on the hill racking up nine strikeouts against the Wolverine bats. Stutes gave up only four hits to UM including two solo shots over the left field wall by Michigan center fielder Eric Rose.
As the game ended, OSU lined up and celebrated with hand shakes to each other and then with the Wolverines. OSU players revealed later, that you get one dog pile a year and they did not want to waste it.
The crowd once again was load and ready to represent Beaver Nation. OSU fan's threw both of Rose's home run balls back onto the field and showed their support by standing most of the ninth inning. The Beavers gave their fans something to cheer about as they punched a ticket to Omaha for the third straight season.
Press Conference Notes-
Michigan Coach Rich Maloney-
Oregon State did a great job. You have to tip your cap to Pat Casey and the program he has built. I am really proud of my guys and how they played all year. They took our program another step. I am confident that we have a lot of guys for next years team that will be hungry. Our players put us back on the map.
Center fielder Eric Rose-
It is somewhat of a disappointing finish to a good season. I am proud of all my teammates and I told them I have never played with a better team. The program hasn't been there in a while, being new to the Super Regional. The guys next year if they can come back hungry have the experience to go further.
Right fielder Brad Roblin-
I told the kids after the game that this is now the level of expectation. We have gone to a regional to years before this. We went to Vanderbilt and played an incredible team down there. I felt that was going to carry through to this weekend.
Oregon State Beavers-
Coach Pat Casey-
Pretty good. It is about these guys on the team. Today is one of those days that you understand how blessed you are to coach and to coach great kids like these. I give all the credit to the players.
Posted by Casey Grogan at 11:34 PM on June 11, 2007
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