The weekend forecast in the Twin Cities will create an ideal opportunity for Gophers sports fans to see the Big Ten's first-place baseball and softball programs in action.
The Gophers baseball team hosts its Big Ten home opener Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Nebraska at Siebert Field. The Gophers softball team will attempt to extend its winning streak to 12 games Friday at 6 p.m. against Iowa at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.
Sunny skies and 61 degrees are forecasted for Friday's first pitch. Saturday's forecast is even better with sunny skies and 67 degrees. Sunday calls for 66 degrees and partly cloudy.
Both teams host afternoon games Saturday and Sunday, providing plenty of opportunity to get outside for some nice weather and good competition. The baseball and softball fields also neighbor each other, so you can even pop back and forth in-between innings
The surprise success of the Gophers baseball team's pitching staff has propelled them to the top of the Big Ten standings. The Gophers are 7-2 in conference and 22-10 overall. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and built a 12-game winning streak earlier this season.
The Gophers softball team is ranked No. 5 national polls and first place in the Big Ten standings with a 13-1 conference and 40-3 overall record. Senior righthanded pitcher Sara Groenewegen collected a season-high 15 strikeouts Tuesday improving her status as one of the top pitchers in college softball.
Several other Gophers sports will be in action outdoors this weekend. The men's tennis team hosts Purdue Friday at 3 p.m. and Indiana Sunday at noon at the Baseline Tennis Center. The men's and women's track teams compete at the Holst Invitational beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Concordia St. Paul.
Baseball tickets are available for $5-$12.
Gophers softball added over 200 seats at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium and a sold out crowd is expected. Some tickets are still available from $5-$8. Minnesota students get in free.
