University of Minnesota Athletics
Today's Softball Games Televised on BTN
4/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Fans unable to attend today's softball doubleheader between Minnesota and Northwestern at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium can watch the games live on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
First pitch is slated for 2:06 p.m. (CT), with Marney Gellner calling the play-by-play and ex-Gopher women's basketball standout Leslie Hill and former Northwestern pitcher Eileen Canney add color commentary. It marks the first time a Minnesota home softball game has been broadcast on BTN. The network was set to broadcast from Jane Sage Cowles Stadium last year, but the games were rained out.
The Golden Gophers (20-21, 3-3 Big Ten) are tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings, while the sixth-ranked Wildcats (22-7, 8-0) are the lone undefeated team in the conference.
Minnesota has been riding the right arm of standout senior pitcher Briana Hassett, who leads NCAA Division I softball with 309 strikeouts this season. Hassett will be facing a stacked Northwestern lineup that has hit a total of 51 home runs this season. Four Wildcat players have hit nine or more home runs in 2009.
Hassett is likely to break Minnesota's school record for single-season strikeouts (311), which is held by Gophers pitching coach Piper Marten. Hassett enters the games with a record of 19-14 overall, and has thrown 26 complete games and 12 shutouts this season.
Fans attending the games will have the chance to participate in several in-game promotions -- Subway Trivia, Pocket Litter, and Strech and Catch -- to add to the fun. It's also Band Appreciation Day at the ballpark. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youths/seniors, and $4 for groups of 15 or more, and all University of Minnesota students with a valid ID are admitted free. Fans unable to attend in person, or watch the games on BTN, can follow the games' progress via the Live Stats link. So come on out and support the Golden Gophers this afternoon!
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