John Carlson's 3-under-par 69 and Brett Swedberg's 70 clinched berths into sectional play at a rain-delayed U.S. Open qualifier Monday at Bunker Hills.

Joining them were Andy Paulson and Yarri Bryn, who birdied the second and third playoff holes, respectively, in surviving a four-man playoff for the final two sectional berths.

The four golfers in the playoff, which also included Joe O'Brien and Brian Hills, finished at even par after 18 holes.

The start of the competition was delayed nearly two hours because of morning storms.

A second local qualifier will be May 17 at Minneapolis Golf Club. The U.S. Open will be June 16-19 at Congressional Country Club in Maryland.

Wolves offer lottery promotionThe Timberwolves are renewing their "Pay the Pick" season-ticket promotion with the NBA draft lottery a week away.

Leading up to the lottery drawing May 17, fans can sign up for an upper-level season ticket that will give them a chance to pay as little as $1 per seat.

If the Wolves get the first pick, each seat will be just $1. If they fall to No. 3, for instance, each seat will be $3.

The Wolves finished with the worst record in the NBA last season, meaning they have the best chance among the 14 lottery teams to win the drawing. They can fall no lower than fourth.

Fans must purchase their tickets prior to the 7 p.m. lottery on May 17 to qualify for the promotion.

Etc.• Junior first baseman Nick O'Shea of the Gophers has been chosen the Big Ten's co-player of the week in baseball. O'Shea hit .636 and drove in six runs -- two in each game -- and scored five runs as Minnesota swept Michigan in a three-game series. He also homered in every game, increasing his season total to five.