This week I will focus on the in-conference games, discussing each series, and how some draft prospects performed.

Minnesota vs. Northwestern:

The Gophers swept the Wildcats 2-1, 2-1, and 6-0 in the weekend series. Friday's game featured the dominance of pitcher T.J. Oakes, who gave up 1 run in 8 1/3 innings pitched. He struck out 7 without giving up a walk. In the second game of the series, D.J. Snelten picked up where Oakes left off. Snelten went 7 2/3 innings, giving up only one run while striking out 5 and walking 3. Third baseman Dan Olinger went 1-4 with an rbi. For Northwestern, Brandon Magallones also pitched very well. He whiffed 7 in 8 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on 6 hits and one walk.In the final game, Olinger again went 1-4 with an RBI.

Purdue vs. Illinois:

The Boilermakers swept the Illini 3-0, 4-1, 5-3. In the series for Purdue, catcher Kevin Plawecki went 1-7 with 1 run and 3 walks. Eric Charles went 3-10 with 3 runs, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K and a double. Cameron Perkins also went 3-10 with a run, RBI, walk, and double. Stephen Talbott also went 3-10 with a walk. Nick Wittgren threw 2 1/3 innings, giving up a run and fanning one while issuing one free pass. Blake Mascarello pitched 3 innings and gave up an unearned run. Finally, Lance Breedlove pitched 7 2/3 innings, striking out 7 and walking 2.For Illinois, Jordan Parr went 4 for 12.

Nebraska vs. Ohio State:

Nebraska took two out of three, losing 10-2 before winning 5-4 and 17-9. For Nebraska, Michael Pritchard was 3-13 with 2 runs, 2 RBI and 2 BB. Chad Christensen was 2-14. Josh Desze was 7-16 with 3 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI. Jaron Long was dominant in 9 innings, while giving up 2 runs with a 5/0 K/BB ratio.

Indiana vs. Michigan State:

IU lost 2 out of 3. Indiana won the first game 3-2 and then lost the next two 6-0 and somehow 20-10. Catcher Kyle Schwarber was 5-11 with 2 walks, a homer, double and triple. Sam Travis really struggled. He went 0-13 with 7 strikeouts. Matt Dearden went 1/3 of an inning and gave up three runs. For MSU, Jordan Keur went 6-14. Ryan Jones was 7-16 with 34 runs. Torsten Boss was 4-10. Tony Bucciferro pitched 7 2/3 innings, with 7 Ks and 4 BBs.

Michigan vs. Penn State:

Penn State took 2 out of 3, dropping the first game 7-3, but coming back with 14-1 and 6-4 victories. 1B Jordan Steranka was the star of the series, going bonkers with 3 homers, a triple, 6 runs, and 7 rbi on 6-13 hitting. Patrick Biondi drew four walks for the Wolverines in the series.

Boilermakers Plawecki and Wittgren are still my top two ranked prospects in the conference, and two guys the Twins should definitely take a long look at. Plawecki is a great hitter and solid defensive catcher. Wittgren is closing now, but could make it as a starter with his mix of three pitches (92-93 mph fastball, mid-70s curve, and upper-70s changeup (which still needs work)).