Kornacki: Three-Seed Giants Prevail in Big Ten Tourney

May 24, 2015

Michigan Baseball

By Steve Kornacki

Jacob Cronenworth had reason to celebrate. He'd done it all for Michigan in the Big Ten Baseball Tournament -- including getting the final three outs in a 4-3 win over Maryland in Sunday's (May 24) championship game.

With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the ninth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Cronenworth had to get Brandon Lowe, the Terrapins' best hitter, with the game on the line.

Lowe chased a split-finger fastball in the dirt and then popped up a fastball to left fielder Kevin White to strand the tying and go-ahead runners. Cronenworth set the conference tournament record with his fourth save, and he also batted .389 (7 for 18) while playing second base, where he made an excellent defensive play.

He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, and Big Ten Network analyst Scott Pose said, "He qualifies for three scholarships -- a jack of all trades."

"It's awesome to win that," Cronenworth, a junior from St. Clair (Michigan) High, said in a phone interview before boarding a plane for Detroit. "Every guy wishes they could get that award, but I know I could not have won it without all of their support.

"This team's special, and we're a scary team right now. We're playing our best ball of the year and playing together for one another."

Michigan beat all comers to win the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2008 and advances to the NCAA Tournament with the conference's automatic bid.

"We're on our way to the NCAA, baby," said head coach Erik Bakich, who left Maryland to coach Michigan three years ago. "I could not be prouder of our guys. They are champions, but they became champions before this with all the preparation and training they put in. They made the investments, and it paid off."

The Wolverines will learn where they're headed for their first NCAA tourney appearance in seven years on Monday (ESPNU at noon). Michigan (37-23) finished in a three-way tie for third place during the regular season with a 14-10 conference mark and was the No. 3 seed in the tournament.

It opened the tournament Wednesday (May 20) by defeating defending conference champion Indiana, 4-1, behind a strong pitching start from Brett Adcock, who won again Sunday. Outfielder Johnny Slater hit a three-run homer, and Bakich said "exceptional" defensive plays by third baseman Travis Maezes and center fielder Jackson Glines "set the tone" for the week. Glines' over-the-shoulder, diving grab was the No. 1 play on ESPN's Top 10 list.

No. 2 seed Iowa became next victim on Thursday (May 21). Freshman starter Ryan Nutof beat the Hawkeyes, 8-5. Catcher Kendall Patrick hit a long homer and had three runs batted in, while designated hitter Cody Bruder and Cronenworth both contributed three hits.

Staying in the winner's bracket of the double-elimination tournament allowed Michigan a day off on Friday (May 22), and that was important to Cronenworth's ability to pitch in all four games.

Illinois, the No. 1 seed, went 21-1 in Big Ten play. But the Wolverines beat the Illini, 5-3, on Saturday (May 23) as Cronenworth had three RBI and three hits and got his third save with 1 2/3 innings pitched.

Then Maryland was felled.

"It was a tough road to face," said Bakich, "but we got it done."

When the team posed with the championship trophy, Bakich extended his right index finger for the traditional No. 1 signal. But he quickly adjusted to extending three fingers to follow the lead of his players.

"Our players started called us the 'Three-Seed Giants,'" Bakich said with a chuckle.

Glines, Bruder and Adcock joined Cronenworth on the Big Ten All-Tournament team.

Adcock, a sophomore left-hander, allowed one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts Sunday. He was 2-0 with a 1.50 earned-run average in two starts and struck out 10 while allowing only five hits in 12 innings.

"Brett showed toughness and was so selfless," said Bakich. "He pitched on short rest, only three days off between starts, and attacked the strike zone. It was an incredible job by Brett."

Glines had a tournament-high eight hits and batted .500, while Bruder hit .313.

Cronenworth was second with seven hits and broke the conference tourney record for saves set in 2008 by Michigan's Michael Powers.

"Jacob did it with guts, toughness and energy," said Bakich. "It was just his week, and I couldn't be prouder of Croney. He was everywhere and very deserving of the award."

Cronenworth even shifted to first base when Carmen Benedetti, the starter at that position, came in to pitch relief. Cronenworth took the mound in the ninth inning.

"I didn't have my best stuff," he said, "but I knew I had to go one more inning and close it out. It got a little dicey, but it was all worth it in the end."

Cronenworth allowed one run on three hits and hit a batter, but got Lowe to secure the victory.

"Lowe is one of the nation's best hitters and a top pro prospect," said Bakich. "Lowe couldn't stay off the splitter, and then Croney was very fortunate that Lowe got under the fastball.

"We all just fought and believed in ourselves to the end."

Cronenworth threw his glove high into the air when Lowe's popup nestled into White's glove, and catcher Patrick was the first to greet him with a hug. Then they were both engulfed by teammates for a victory pile.

The "Three-Seed Giants" had prevailed.

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