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,'