Aaron

Its 9 innings. I am back at home and as predicted we are exhausted and making silly errors. Without a long rain delay, we would of been killed by Povtich, but the rain delay after four chased him which was a huge benefit. No chance Mudungo goes more than 4 or 5 and Povitch goes eight at least. With the bullpen battle we were helped a lot and eventually got the lead on a couple Cole Barr home runs. However, we brought Tucker back which I get since Litwicki cannot get a 9 out save. Tucker's pitching was fine, but had a brain fade on a bunt throwing to first with no one there led to two runs and a 6-5 Nebraska lead. If someone remembered to cover we get out of seventh with 5-4 lead, If we hold it its tied at 5. Instead we are down one since the toss was made into RF. We have made five errors and as a result down 6-5. Only the two home runs are hits.

FYI. I am out during game 2 and cannot provide updates, so if someone else wants to take over, please do.

Its a difference of opinion which is fine and I respect that, but just know mine comes from two respected college coaches who would of frowned terribly on the move. I certainly respect your opinion very much but have to disagree.

That was most nerve whacking game of year, but if we win Big Ten by 1/2 game we can look back. What a crazy turn of a game to go from dueling no hitters, to both teams staying alive after being down to final strike. I expect us to get crushed next game given the emotion and how much bullpen used (and Nebraska throwing their one good guy), but if we can win tomorrow, which I fully expect with Bierman in back pocket, we will be sitting pretty with Nebraska 1.5 games in rearview mirror and no worse than tied with Michigan with a series next weekend that if we win, will put us in drivers seat for Championship just like two yrs ago. Don't like the saving of Litwicki but it worked out.

It worked out but bad move and that is from two different respected college coaches who taught me what I said early. Its not a stab in the dark as a fan, but an expert opinion from people who know within the game.

That is for sure.

IU wins! We got away with one.

Again Rutgers down to final strike.

Two outs on another groundout.

A groundout moves runner to 2nd. Runner at second one out.

Leadoff base hit. This is not going to end well. Thanks Mercer.

Even if they win its not a genius move. Its getting lucky making a terrible decision.

Horrible. Mercer has some explaining to do.

Ugh. Now its Braydon Tucker. Mercer is determined to save Litwicki which is a cardinal sin.

Inning over. Hopefully we use Litwicki this time.

HR Fucci to dead center after a long at bat! Now please bring in Litwicki. If you are going to go down, do it with best arms.

Yes. You don't EVER, EVER save a pitcher as a very wise college coach once told me. You always use your best arms with game on line and never manage for future. Mercer managed for future and he paid for it. I hope media grills him about that this week. He is a smart guy but violated a cardinal sin in baseball.

Hopkins who saved us last time, had a very unproductive at bat this time fouling off strike 3 and runner stays at first with one out.

You also need Litwicki in there. Never manage for future and always put your best arms in there in present when game is on line. Mercer managed for future and may have lost us two games. We will see.

It only is enjoyable for Michigan if we lose. Nebraska on other hand can enjoy this whether we win or lose burning through the bullpen.

Leadoff infeld single for Colopy.

11th inning we go.

And now Rutgers ties it on a single. Both teams now blown the game one strike away.

One more strike away.

Another K. One out away.