College World Series Betting Preview
The road to Omaha, Nebraska has been completed for eight college baseball teams. The schools feature traditional powers like LSU, Texas, Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State. But parity has invaded college baseball as well, with Southern Mississippi and Virginia, making first-ever appearances. North Carolina has been a frequent participant in recent years and Arkansas returns for the first time in five seasons. Based on the numbers, six of the eight teams are given legitimate chance to walk away as the kings of the college diamond, meaning this is wide open tournament that could go many different ways. This is not a great spot to bet on first timer, since the last team to make initial trip to Omaha and win the whole tournament was Minnesota, 53 years ago. Here is team-by-team preview, odds by Sportsbook.com.
Arkansas (39-22) Last CWS was 2004 (+1200 to win title)
The Razorbacks started hot, played poorly at the end of the season and got hot again as the postseason began, clinching berth sweeping Florida State on their own field. If Arkansas can start fast, they are capable, with hitters Andy Wilkins, Ben Tschepikow and Chase Leavitt leading the way. The Hogs need big efforts from starters Dallas Keuchel and Brett Eibner to get off to fast start. Arkansas is believed to be the worst team in their bracket, however once they believe, these Hogs are a heap of trouble.
Cal State-Fullerton (47-14) Last CWS was 2007 (+250 to win title)
The Titans are the favorites, making their 16th trip to Omaha and sixth since 2001. CS-Fullerton has four championship banners and is loaded on offense. Cal State-Fullerton has six players hitting .335 or better, led by outfielder Josh Fellhauer who is hitting robust .399. The Titans also feature strong hurlers like All-American candidate Daniel Renken, who was 11-2 record and a 2.36 ERA and freshman Noe Ramirez who is 10-1 with a 2.86 ERA. The bullpen has lots of answers, meaning if a starter fails, they have plenty of ways to close down opponents. This is the most balanced squad in the field with a lot of weapons, playing great baseball right now.
Virginia (48-13) First CWS appearance (+400 to win title)
The Cavaliers might be first timers in the tournament, nonetheless, no doubting the quality and competitiveness they bring. Virginia won the ACC tournament and swept then No.1 Cal-Irvine. After that much excitement, they handed the MLB’s top draft choice, Stephen Strasburg his only loss of the season. Still forced to play on the road, Virginia lost first super regional game at Mississippi, only to come back and take the next two against the Rebels. This confidence boosting trip is the same path Fresno State took last season, on the way to College World Series championship. The Cavaliers hit .327 as a team and have three above average starting pitchers and solid relievers led by Kevin Arico and Tyler Wilson. Dangerous club for certain.
LSU (51-16) Last CWS was 2008 (+375 to win title)
The Tigers won five titles between 1991 and 2000, but have been unable to pick up a sixth since that time. LSU has played the minimum of five games in the tournament and are playing with extreme confidence at this time. Coach Paul Mainieri likes his team’s chances after last year’s experience. The Tigers can score runs with second sacker DJ LeMahieu leading the team in batting average at a .340. Jared Mitchell hits for average (.325), has some pop in the bat and converted almost 80 percent of his 44 steal attempts. Anthony Ranaudo and Louis Coleman will be as good as any two front end starters in the field. Freshman closer Matty Ott has 16 saves and impressive 15-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Has to be one of the favorites.
Arizona State (49-12) Last CWS was 2007 (+350 to win title)
The Sun Devils expected to be here last year, before being upset by eventual champion Fresno State. Arizona State started the season, with one of its youngest teams in years and if pitching wins championships, this ASU club is well-stocked. If San Diego State’s Strasburg is the best pitcher in the college game, than right behind him is Mike Leake. He comes in with 16-1 record and miniscule 1.36 ERA. He’s matched with Josh Spence, who is 9-1 with 2.33 ERA and each pitcher easily averages better than a punch-out per inning. The pen has reliable arms coach Pat Murphy can count on. Arizona State has the lowest earned run average among the field of eight and if the Sun Devils aluminum bats heat up, you never know.
North Carolina (51-16) Last CWS was 2008 (+350 to win title)
The Tar Heels are making their fourth consecutive CWS showing, a first for ACC squad. North Carolina has been doomsday machine in the tourney, winning by better than seven runs per game. UNC doesn’t boast a sensational lineup, being more reliant on a number of players. Irregardless how everyone performs, first baseman Dustin Ackley and his across the diamond counterpart, 3B Kyle Seager have to have big games for Heels to play on. North Carolina has exceptional pitching depth, with Alex White and Adam Warren at the front of the line. Relievers Brian Moran and Colin Bates are two of the best in Omaha and should give offense chance, since they can shutdown opposing offenses. If Ackley and Seager shine, Tar Heels in the chase.
Southern Mississippi (40-24) First CWS appearance (+1400 to win title)
This team makes Cinderella’s story really look a fairy tale. Head coach Corky Palmer announced in April he was retiring and never could have dreamed of all-expense trip with his team to Nebraska. The Golden Eagles are collection of veteran players, who just found a way. USM is nothing special offensively, but with the likes of Bo Davis hitting .372 with 13 long balls, they hustle and manufacture runs. Don’t expect the Golden Eagles to be nervous, they know they were a long shot to even be in CWS, let alone win it. C-USA Pitcher of the Year Todd McInnis is the real thing, however beyond JR Ballinger and relief pitcher Collin Cargill, the kind of pitching depth needed to compete at this level is thin.
Texas (46-14) Last CWS was 2005 (+300 to win title)
No team has been to Omaha as much as the Longhorns, who have made 33 trips. Coach Augie Garrido has won more games than any D-1 baseball head coach and brings one of his more intriguing teams to Rosenblatt Field. No pitching staff has the depth of Texas, which is why the Horns have a shot. Offensively, Texas has the lowest collect batting average in the field at .287, meaning the hitters have to step up or pitchers have to be domineering. Starters Chance Ruffin, Cole Green and Taylor Jungmann are each capable of low run-low hit games and relief pitchers Austin Wood and Austin Dicharry can shut the door. The Longhorns are comfortable playing low scoring games, making them legit threat.
StatFox Pick – LSU
Second Pick – Cal State- Fullerton