I love the College World Series. I get excited about it the way I do the college bowls and Final Four. Hey, it's sports, and for some reason I always enjoyed college baseball long before it was as popular as it is these days.
Here is my play today:
5* Oregon St +170
Before I go any further let me advise you that this number is going lower the closer we get to game time. I wish I had played it last night. I wouldn't wait until the last minute.
Aside from the advantage in pitching rotation, I don't see any reason for North Carolina to be this big of a favorite. Let's look at a few numbers:
Overall team batting average: OSU .322 - UNC .307.
Not only do the Beavers have a higher batting average, they have a higher fielding percentage as well, although not much: .975 to .965. OSU has turned 60 double plays compared with UNC's 44.
Team ERA for the Tarheels is 3.40, but OSU is just slightly lower at 3.20. Interestingly the opposing batting average for both teams is equal: .235.
The numbers lead me to believe that there is no advantage in supporting this heavy of a favorite. Oregon State plays with a great deal of heart and zest for the game. They seem to have that something special that carries them through.
Also, the Beavers' 3rd pitcher, Stutes, is not bad, going 8-2, 2.76, and 74 strikeouts in 78 innings. He'll be depended on to win a game, possibly tonight, and I think he will do it, even against Andrew Miller.
I'm betting that Oregon St wins tonight and wins the series as well.
Later.
Here is my play today:
5* Oregon St +170
Before I go any further let me advise you that this number is going lower the closer we get to game time. I wish I had played it last night. I wouldn't wait until the last minute.
Aside from the advantage in pitching rotation, I don't see any reason for North Carolina to be this big of a favorite. Let's look at a few numbers:
Overall team batting average: OSU .322 - UNC .307.
Not only do the Beavers have a higher batting average, they have a higher fielding percentage as well, although not much: .975 to .965. OSU has turned 60 double plays compared with UNC's 44.
Team ERA for the Tarheels is 3.40, but OSU is just slightly lower at 3.20. Interestingly the opposing batting average for both teams is equal: .235.
The numbers lead me to believe that there is no advantage in supporting this heavy of a favorite. Oregon State plays with a great deal of heart and zest for the game. They seem to have that something special that carries them through.
Also, the Beavers' 3rd pitcher, Stutes, is not bad, going 8-2, 2.76, and 74 strikeouts in 78 innings. He'll be depended on to win a game, possibly tonight, and I think he will do it, even against Andrew Miller.
I'm betting that Oregon St wins tonight and wins the series as well.
Later.
