SPORTS
Page 14 Friday, May 15, 1987 The Michigan Daily
Blue Batsmen host Big Ten Playoffs
'M' favored to win conferene title
No doubt about it - the baseball team has had an best will end up winning it."
excellent year, even when evaluated by the high Middaugh also isn't about to evaluate the
Michigan standards. competitions' chances or look past any of the teams.
The Wolverines have won 47 out of 56 games and "They're all tough or they wouldn't be here. You just
13 of 16 in the Big Ten East Division to win that gotta go one day at a time," said the eighth-year
title. They had a 22-game winning streak and have coach.
been ranked in the top ten of the polls for a good part That's why Middaugh will use his best pitcher,
of the year. And they accomplished these feats with a Jim Abbott, in the opener against Iowa, 28-26.
young and inexperienced team that had to overcome a Abbott, 9-2, will have to shut down a tough
variety of injuries to key players. Hawkeye offense led by Keith Noreen (.379 and 8
However, the true measure of this team's success home runs) and Randy Frakes (.324 and nine home
will be determined this weekend in the Big Ten runs). Bill Heinz also has 10 round trippers on the
Playoffs and possibly, later on in the NCAA season. Pitcher Allen Rath is the probable starter
Tournament. today for the Hawkeyes.
THE WOLVERINES ran away with the Big If the Wolverines get past Iowa, its next opponent
Ten East Division, but will now have to battle with will probably be Minnesota. The Golden Gophers
the best of the West Division to claim the conference appear to be the top competition for Michigan this
title. First-place Minnesota and second-place Iowa weekend and downed the Wolverines earlier this
qualified from the West, while Purdue will compete season, 8-5. Minnesota is led by pitchers Mike
as the runner-up to Michigan in the East. Pavelka, 5-1, and Dennis Neagle, 2-2. Tom Ward is
The double elimination tournament begins today at the top hitter with seven home runs, 35 RBIs, and M
Ray Fisher Stadium, with Purdue facing Minnesota at .354 batting average.
1 p.m. The host Wolverines square off against Iowa MINNESOTA WOULD surely enjoy winning
at 4 p.m. Doubleheaders will also be played the Big Ten title on Michigan's home field since the
tomorrow and Sunday, and on Monday, if necessary. Wolverines won the championship last year in
The Wolverines appear to be the favorites to win Minneapolis.
this weekend. They are currently ranked seventh in the Although Purdue was tenth in the league in hitting
country in the ESPN/Collegiate Baseball Poll and and lost three out of four games with Michiganthis
have the best record (47-9 overall, 13-3 in the Big year, the Boilermakers could be a surprise. Purdue
Ten) of the teams in the playoffs. Minnesota, 36-21, slammed 72 home runs as a team this year and are
is the only other team ranked (28th). paced by Brett Roach and Arci Cianfrocco with 21 and
IOWA head coach Duane Banks said, "I don't 16, respectively. The Boilermakers also have an ace
think there's any doubt about it. Michigan is the on the mound in Pete Altenberger, who is 7-0 with a
favorite." 3.43 ERA.
Michigan head coach Bud Middaugh doesn't agree. The winner of this tournament will receive an
"You're all equal when you're in a tournament," automatic bid to the NCAAs. The others will still
Middaugh said. "I think any of the four clubs has a have the chance to get an at-large bid.
0
I
4
4
4
WmE WORK AS
LATE AS YOU DO
kinko's
Whenever yo need clear quality copies, Codme to
Kinko's. We're open early, open late. and open
weekends.
When you're working late, it's good to know you're not
working alone.
CLASSIFIED ADS!
Call 764-0557
Michigan baseball coach Bud Middaugh is looking to win his sixth Big Ten
championship in eight years with the Wolverines.
DEPARTMENT STORE BUYOUTS AT
TREMENDOUS SAVINGS. UP TO 90% OFF
ORIGINAL PRICES. YOU HAVE TO SEE
THE SAVINGS TO BELIEVE IT!
College students' fine quality
sportswear starting at $6.00.
Men's designer clothes and
women's summer dresses
starting at $10.00.
Designer labels also on blankets,
linens, flatware, and other
A apartment accessories.
Formal dresses starting
at $10.00.
715 N. UNIVERSITY
3 stores from Kresge's-downstairs at Hamilton Sq. Mall
662-0886
10% OFF with this coupon
Heren,
White sign
NFL pacts
From staff reports
Two more players from
Michigan's Big Ten championship
football team of a year ago will be
given a chance to make NFL rosters
this fall..
Free agents Dieter Heren and
Gerald White were signed during the
past week by the New England
Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys,
respectively.
The two free agent signees along
with draftees Jim Harbaugh, Bob
Perryman, Garland Rivers, Paul
Jokisch, and Thomas Wilcher will
be among several former Michigan
players vying for spots on NFL
rosters during the off season.
I
I
kinko's'x
Great copies. Great people.
Open 24 Hours Open Early/Open Late-
540 E. Liberty St. 1220 S. University
761-4539 747-9070
I
Ui
r ยข A,'