Iowa v. Michigan on Tuesday - A little revenge?

[AuroraHawk]

Michigan's #1 starter is Connor O'Halloran: https://mgoblue.com/sports/baseball/roster/connor-o-halloran/23768

He started last year's game in Omaha in which Iowa was eliminated from the B1G tournament. Gave up 3 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings:

Baseball vs Iowa on 5/29/2022 - Box Score - University of Michigan Athletics

The official box score of Baseball vs Iowa on 5/29/2022

mgoblue.com

Looking back at that box score, I was reminded that both Jared Simpson and Will Christopherson were roughed up in that awful 7th inning.

O'Halloran started the season pretty strong but the last 4 games haven't been great. Per game strike out totals have steadily diminished. Doesn't walk a lot of batters. Michigan's coach has allowed for a lot of miles on his arm this season.

Payback possibility.

 

[AuroraHawk]

In addition to starting on Tuesday, I just noticed that the B1G implemented another change to the tournament bracket format. This year, for example, it is a "true" four team tournament to advance to the B1G championship. One team from Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois will be in the championship against one team from Maryland, Nebraska, Rutgers and Michigan State.

That was not the situation in prior tournaments. For example, teams who lost a game but advanced by winning with one loss would ultimately "cross-over" (in Games 11 and 12) and play the undefeated team from the different half of the bracket.

2023 B1G Tournament format: https://bigten.org/news/2023/5/20/big-ten-announces-2023-baseball-tournament-bracket.aspx
2022 B1G Tournament format: https://bigten.org/news/2022/5/21/big-ten-releases-2022-baseball-tournament-bracket.aspx

I recall reading the press release about starting on Tuesday; I don't recall seeing anything about the above format change. Interesting . . . I like it.

 

[ssckelley]

In addition to starting on Tuesday, I just noticed that the B1G implemented another change to the tournament bracket format. This year, for example, it is a "true" four team tournament to advance to the B1G championship. One team from Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois will be in the championship against one team from Maryland, Nebraska, Rutgers and Michigan State.

That was not the situation in prior tournaments. For example, teams who lost a game but advanced by winning with one loss would ultimately "cross-over" (in Games 11 and 12) and play the undefeated team from the different half of the bracket.

2023 B1G Tournament format: https://bigten.org/news/2023/5/20/big-ten-announces-2023-baseball-tournament-bracket.aspx
2022 B1G Tournament format: https://bigten.org/news/2022/5/21/big-ten-releases-2022-baseball-tournament-bracket.aspx

I recall reading the press release about starting on Tuesday; I don't recall seeing anything about the above format change. Interesting . . . I like it.

I noticed this as well, I couldn't remember if last years was the same or not. I do remember Iowa had to play PSU a 2nd time after losing to them in the opening round.

 

[ozziesimmons22]

A few years ago IIRC Iowa went thru the tournament unbeaten and played one-loss OSU in the championship game. I remember thinking, ok, we’ve got two games to win one since it’s a double elimination tournament. Needless to say I was wrong. Does anyone know the rationale behind this and if all double elimination tournaments are similar?

 

[Birky]

A few years ago IIRC Iowa went thru the tournament unbeaten and played one-loss OSU in the championship game. I remember thinking, ok, we’ve got two games to win one since it’s a double elimination tournament. Needless to say I was wrong. Does anyone know the rationale behind this and if all double elimination tournaments are similar?

To save arms.

 

[ozziesimmons22]

To save arms.

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.