Monday, June 11, 2007

Oregon State Ends Michigan's Season

As you probably know by now, Oregon State eliminated Michigan, 8-2, in today's super regional game. The loss ends Michigan's NCAA run and their 2007 campaign. The Beavers, the defending champions, will return to Omaha.

Honestly, it was not the way the Wolverines would have wanted to go out. In contrast to yesterday's sharply pitched and played game, today's effort was filled with giveaways -- wild pitches, balks, passed balls and, most damaging, walks.

Senior Eric Rose was the star for Michigan. The Wolverines' centerfielder hit a pair of solo homers. It was a fine performance by one of the best CF's in Michigan history.

While I'm disappointed for the players and, yes, myself, it was a fine season for Rich Maloney's side. They played well against a number of top ranked teams, won the Big Ten's regular season title and the Nashville regional. Those are all things to be proud of.

I tip my cap to the 2007 Michigan Wolverines. It's was a great ride.

1 comment:

Steve Schuster said...

In a few years, if Michigan is able to become a perennial contender for Omaha, I hope guys like Eric Rose, Andrew Hess, Leif Mahler, Matt Butler and Brad Roblin are not forgetten. Rich Maloney was right during the press conference when he said that these are the guys who helped lay the groundwork for where this program is today. I don't know how many of them will ever make it to the Major Leagues, but they were all damn good college ballplayers and played their hearts out for Michigan.

With the attention this program has garnered the last two years, I think it's quite clear that Michigan will be able to bring in some of the nation's top talent. It's been a real treat to watch this team transform from the small ball squads of two and three years ago into the northern powerhouse that they are today.

Hats off to Coach Maloney and his team. They are only going to see better things in the future.