Crazy Ending to Michigan State-Nebraska Game

[30Duck]

Michigan State is leading 4-3 over Nebraska, it's the bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, runner on 2nd, Nebraska hitter sends a lazy fly ball to left field, Spartan LF has it, then it pops out of his glove, player on 2nd scores, ties it, 4-4.

 

In the bottom of the 10th, Michigan State infield in a shift, but Nebraska's leadoff hitter somehow gets the ball to roll past the 4, 5 & 6 into the OF, two straight strike outs, but the next gets a single, Nebraska scores and wins, 5-4. 

[Charles Fischer]

So if I understand it, and that’s not certain… Regardless of our game with Michigan State, the game with Nebraska decides who goes to the semifinals?

 

Because even if we lost to Michigan State, but beat Nebraska, we would be tied with the cornhuskers, and the Spartans, but would advance as the higher seed.

 

Although… If if we beat the Spartans, and lose to Nebraska and we are tied again with the cornhuskers and would advance automatically?

 

I have not got the rules of all this down yet!

 

[HDuck]

You are correct.  If the three teams in the pod are tied 1-1, the highest seed advances.

Pool A

4:00 pm PT – Tues – Nebraska beat Michigan St (5-4)

4:00 pm – Thurs – Oregon vs Michigan St

4:00 pm – Fri – Oregon vs Nebraska

Noon – Sat - Pool A winner vs Pool D winner

 

The Ducks must now definitely beat Nebraska, otherwise the Huskers become 2-0.  Theoretically, the Ducks could use their No. 2 pitcher vs Michigan State, and hold their No. 1 pitcher for Nebraska.  Especially since the Nebraska pitching staff will have an almost 72 hour rest.

 

But, using No. 1 on Friday means he isn't available at Noon on Saturday.   This scheduling seems almost as screwed up as the CFP approach of having 1-4 seeds with the worst opportunity??

Edited 5 hours ago by HDuck

[Charles Fischer]

Good gosh…the Michigan State game is truly a throwaway. The result does not matter, so yes, hold Grinsell for Friday.

 

Start freshmen against Michigan State, and no valued relievers?  
 

[Dave23]

On 5/20/2025 at 11:04 PM, Charles Fischer said:

Good gosh…the Michigan State game is truly a throwaway. The result does not matter, so yes, hold Grinsell for Friday.

 

Start freshmen against Michigan State, and no valued relievers?  
 

This is one of the few advantage of being the #1 seed, I guess, is knowing what you have to do to win and being able to get some backup pitches some tournament experience while starters get some extra days of rest going into the post season.

[Charles Fischer]

The more I think about it, we need to win Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and we effectively have enough pitchers for three days.

 

So the fourth game, Michigan State,, is a throwaway. Pitch the freshman and those who have very little experience and give them battle pressure for the future.