The Buckeyes didn’t control their own destiny all weekend in their quest to be one of the final teams to clinch a berth in next week’s Big Ten Baseball Tournament. But they did everything they could to take care of what they controlled on their own behalf.
Ohio State swept Purdue to post three more wins onto its conference record and finish at 12-12 in the league, but with five or so teams competing for the final spot, it looked like it would eventually come down to the Big Ten’s tie-breaking scenarios, but that’s not quite what ended up happening — at least not for which teams got in.
After Ohio State beat Purdue 13-11, it had to sit and watch how both Maryland and Northwestern fared. Maryland won to punch its ticket, and then it was all up to Minnesota to beat the Wildcats so the scarlet and gray could also celebrate.
Consider it done. In a close contest, the Golden Gophers were able to outlast the Wildcats — eliminating Northwestern and sending Ohio State into the tournament final No. 8 seed.
Northwestern finished a game back, with Ohio State, Maryland and Iowa all finishing in a tie for sixth place in the league at 12-12. And … by virtue of all three teams’ records against each of the other two, the Buckeyes get the No. 7 seed.
It was a close shave, but this is the farthest thing from backing into the tournament. Ohio State won five of its last six conference games to get into position to book its travel to Omaha.
The Big Ten Baseball Tournament will be played from May 22 through 26.
