University of Minnesota Athletics
Home Opener Welcomes Second-Ranked Michigan
4/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
No. 2/3 Michigan (28-5, 5-0) at Minnesota (15-23, 1-3)
Apr. 10, 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 11, 1:00 p.m.
Home Sweet Home
After spending the last two months on the road, hitting nearly every corner of the country, Gopher Softball gets to return home this weekend, hosting their first games of the season at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. The Gophers opened the season in Minneapolis on Feb. 11, but that was under the roof in the Metrodome. This weekend, they get to take it outside on the field of their home turf for the first time. Minnesota hosts second-ranked Michigan for two games on Apr. 10 and 11, with each set for a 1:00 p.m. start.
The Records
After dropping both games last weekend, the Gophers enter the weekend at 15-23 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Minnesota has lost three straight after opening Big Ten play with a win on Apr. 27. Michigan enters the weekend at 28-5 overall and unbeaten at 5-0 in league play. Before coming to Minneapolis, the Wolverines played two games at Indiana on Apr. 8, winning both. In the first weekend of play, Michigan had one of two games with Illinois cancelled, leaving them with and odd number of conference games played.
The Series
Michigan is Minnesota's most played opponent and owns a 70-24 edge over the Gophers in the all-time series. In Big Ten match-ups, the Wolverine's hold a 63-21 advantage, also as the Gophers most played Big Ten opponent. Michigan is currently on a six-game winning streak against Minnesota, with the last Gopher victory coming as a 2-0 decision in the 2007 season.
Last Match-Up
Last year in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines swept two from the Gophers, including a 4-1 win that took eight innings in the series opener. A Shannon Stemper home run tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth, but the Wolverines got a three-run blast in the eighth to end it. In the second game, Michigan broke out for four runs in the fourth and added three more in the sixth in the way to a 7-0 win for the sweep.
Follow Along
Fans, if you can't make it out to Jane Sage Cowles for the Gophers home opener, be sure to follow along with Live Stats on GopherSports.com. Live Stats can be accessed on the Multimedia tab on GopherSports.com or on the Gopher Softball schedule page.
Last Time Out
Last weekend, the Gophers lost a pair of heartbreakers, dropping two one-run ball games to Michigan State. Minnesota lost 2-1 and 7-6 to the Spartans, and in each game they had they tying run on base in the seventh inning. Errors doomed the Gophers and starter Lacey Middlebrooks who suffered both losses. Middlebrooks allowed no earned runs in the first game and just four earned in the second game.
Next Up
Next week, the Gophers stay busy with a midweek doubleheader in addition to their weekend series. On Apr. 14, Minnesota heads to Northwestern for two games at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., before returning to Jane Sage Cowles Stadium on Apr. 17 and 18 for a pair of 1:00 p.m. games with Indiana.
Scouting Michigan
28-5 on the season and on a seven-game winning streak. Ranked No. 2 or No. 3 in the nation. Defending Big Ten Champion. Home to the current Big Ten Player (Dorian Shaw) and Pitcher (Nikki Nemitz) of the Week. 2005 National Champion. Have been ranked in the top-seven all season, mostly in the top-five. Won 13-straight earlier in the season. Have went 9-4 against ranked competition, including a 1-0 eight-inning win over then No. 2 Arizona on Mar. 18.
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