Nice bounceback day yesterday to get back on track. Got Rice and the under. Today, doggie style.
3* Clemson +150
Keep this play small as Clemson is another reason the ACC hasnt won a title since 1955 when Wake Forest did it. These guys find ways to choke no matter how good they are. And, it wont get any easier vs. a clutch and experienced Fullerton squad.
However, besides tradition and history, Clemson has some things going for them in this game, that makes me wonder why they are underdogs.
1) Lauren Gagnier, RHP, Fullerton - According to message board chatter from Fullerton boards, this guy had food poisoning and was in bed all day Sunday. But besides if that is true or not, this guy will be dog tired as this game wears on, and I wonder how sharp and effective his pitches will be vs. a good hitting Clemson lineup that was shutout last game by the herky jerky Woodard of UNC. Gagnier had a no-hitter in super regionals going and pitched very deep into that game to try and get the no-no. Then after that start he comes back this weekend, and comes in relief in the 13 inning marathon vs. UNC. He went 2.1 innings pitched but he threw 43 pitches, and it seems he will start tonight on 3 days. I dont expect him to show any serious effects from his relief appearance until the 5th, and I think he'll tire out easily. Especially if this food poisoning thing is true.
2) Fullerton Bullpen - If you start a tired/potentially sick Gagnier, you will have to turn it over to your pen eventually. And the whole reason they brought Gagnier in relief, is because they have no confidence in their pen. With that being said, they cant bring Roemer in relief here, or they will have no chance to beat UNC twice. They need to save ace Roemer for next game, #3 Dustin Miller can not go, and Gagnier is tired. You WILL see the Fullerton bullpen in this game, which is average, especially with the loss of their closer earlier this year. They dont have any Bryce Cox's that come out and throw 95 and paint. They dont have any Cole St. Clair's, no Chris Perez's. No shut down, lights out guys in that pen.
3) Fullerton Bats - It is becoming more and more apparent with each game that Fullerton cant hit. They rely on timely hitting, instead of an offensive attack. They need to keep their opponents within 5 runs to win, and I dont know if they will be able to do that today vs. Clemson. They will need the game of their lives from Lauren Gagnier, and due to factors that he cant control, it will be very tough for him to give that today.
Clemson will start Jason Berken. Who is another solid, yet non-dominant Clemson starter. He's not going to blow Fullerton away, he's going to rely on mixing up his location, changing his speeds and hitting his spots. I just think he'll be able to be successful because Fullerton has a hard time scoring as it is. They arent terrible offensively, but they arent great either.
Overall, I'm keeping this play small because I dont trust Clemson. But there is definite, definite, definite value here with the Tigers who should win this game.
Check back later tonight for tonight's play.
3* Clemson +150
Keep this play small as Clemson is another reason the ACC hasnt won a title since 1955 when Wake Forest did it. These guys find ways to choke no matter how good they are. And, it wont get any easier vs. a clutch and experienced Fullerton squad.
However, besides tradition and history, Clemson has some things going for them in this game, that makes me wonder why they are underdogs.
1) Lauren Gagnier, RHP, Fullerton - According to message board chatter from Fullerton boards, this guy had food poisoning and was in bed all day Sunday. But besides if that is true or not, this guy will be dog tired as this game wears on, and I wonder how sharp and effective his pitches will be vs. a good hitting Clemson lineup that was shutout last game by the herky jerky Woodard of UNC. Gagnier had a no-hitter in super regionals going and pitched very deep into that game to try and get the no-no. Then after that start he comes back this weekend, and comes in relief in the 13 inning marathon vs. UNC. He went 2.1 innings pitched but he threw 43 pitches, and it seems he will start tonight on 3 days. I dont expect him to show any serious effects from his relief appearance until the 5th, and I think he'll tire out easily. Especially if this food poisoning thing is true.
2) Fullerton Bullpen - If you start a tired/potentially sick Gagnier, you will have to turn it over to your pen eventually. And the whole reason they brought Gagnier in relief, is because they have no confidence in their pen. With that being said, they cant bring Roemer in relief here, or they will have no chance to beat UNC twice. They need to save ace Roemer for next game, #3 Dustin Miller can not go, and Gagnier is tired. You WILL see the Fullerton bullpen in this game, which is average, especially with the loss of their closer earlier this year. They dont have any Bryce Cox's that come out and throw 95 and paint. They dont have any Cole St. Clair's, no Chris Perez's. No shut down, lights out guys in that pen.
3) Fullerton Bats - It is becoming more and more apparent with each game that Fullerton cant hit. They rely on timely hitting, instead of an offensive attack. They need to keep their opponents within 5 runs to win, and I dont know if they will be able to do that today vs. Clemson. They will need the game of their lives from Lauren Gagnier, and due to factors that he cant control, it will be very tough for him to give that today.
Clemson will start Jason Berken. Who is another solid, yet non-dominant Clemson starter. He's not going to blow Fullerton away, he's going to rely on mixing up his location, changing his speeds and hitting his spots. I just think he'll be able to be successful because Fullerton has a hard time scoring as it is. They arent terrible offensively, but they arent great either.
Overall, I'm keeping this play small because I dont trust Clemson. But there is definite, definite, definite value here with the Tigers who should win this game.
Check back later tonight for tonight's play.
arty: 
