Big Ten softball tournament uses helicopter to dry field during delay
Friday’s Big Ten tournament quarterfinal game between Minnesota and Wisconsin experienced a chopper delay mid-game — and we’re totally serious.
The game was being played in Madison, Wisc. under rainy conditions. Midway through the game, a helicopter was called in to help dry out the field. Those watching the game on Big Ten Network could see a chopper flying around the infield, dropping a substance around the dirt that would help dry out the infield to make it playable.
Fans we are not kidding on this one. We are in a Chopper Delay as they are bringing in a helicopter to dry the outfield more. The stadium is being cleared and we will resume in about 15-20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/1utjgDIuZ0
— Minnesota Softball (@GopherSoftball) May 11, 2018
Our first #B1GSoftball Tournament quarterfinal is in a Chopper Delay while a helicopter helps dry the outfield pic.twitter.com/huTb5K6K3e
— Big Ten Softball (@B1Gsoftball) May 11, 2018
After about a half-hour #ChopperDelay, we're back to action in our first #B1GSoftball Tournament quarterfinal … @GopherSoftball leads @BadgerSoftball 4-0 in the bottom of the 4th — tune in live on @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/bP5jGo8Pqm
— Big Ten Softball (@B1Gsoftball) May 11, 2018
Minnesota was leading 4-0 in 4th inning at the time of the delay. The Gophers grew their lead after the game resumed. There was urgency to dry out the field because they were trying to play all four quarterfinal games on Friday. They were way behind schedule, as Minnesota-Wisconsin was the first of the four games.
Minnesota is the No. 2 seed for the tournament and a lock to make the NCAA Tournament as the No. 28 team in the RPI. Wisconsin is the No. 7 seed and ranked No. 46 in the RPI, which makes them a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament. At least this year Minnesota hopefully won’t be screwed the way they were last year.
