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News-Gazette staff writer Jeff Huth takes a look at

the Big Ten standings as the 1997 UI baseball season draws to a close:

TEAM

RECORD

%

GB

COMMENT

Michigan

12-6

.667

-

Bats carrying Wolverines

Ohio State

13-7

.650

-

''96 struggles were mirage

Illinois

13-11

.542

2

Controls own destiny

Purdue

13-11

.542

2

Biggest turnaround in year

Minnesota

8-9

.471

3 1/2

Can Gophers bounce back?

Penn State

8-10

.444

4

Pitching''s been ugly

Indiana

7-9

.438

4

Defending champs on ropes

Iowa

6-9

.400

4 1/2

Fielding has killed Hawkeyes

Northwestern

8-12

.400

5

Scary despite record

Michigan State

8-12

.400

5

Wait until next year