The first day of Regionals was wild. We got to see it all. Upsets, blowouts, tremendous defensive plays and a boatload of home runs.
Day 2 is expected to give us another electric slate of games, as the winners' brackets are loaded with marquee matchups, and the losers' brackets are composed of teams ready to fight for their season.
So, let's dive into my best bets of the day as the road to Omaha continues to be paved.
Ole Miss vs. Arizona
TBA (55 minutes after conclusion of Game 1) · ESPN+
This was one of the many games rained out at the Coral Gables Regional, but the good news is that the rain looks to be clearing out of the area by late afternoon to get this one in.
No matter when this game gets played, my stance will be the same. My analysis of this matchup from yesterday's piece still holds, as we didn't get any information on starters.
The Rebels were a team that fell hard during the season, starting as a preseason top-five team while even being ranked No. 1 after starting the season 9-0.
Their pitching failed them for most of the season, as they were unranked before making a late-season charge. The bullpen kicked it up a notch with their four primary relievers combining for a 2.15 ERA in the month of May.
The Rebels' lineup has been explosive and received a boost when Kevin Graham returned from injury.
As for the Wildcats, they've been a team I was skeptical of all season. They have a deadly trio in the middle of their order. However, their pitching has been suspect at times this year.
Therefore, I'm siding with the hotter team and the deeper lineup in a game that could be a slugfest.
Pick: Ole Miss -140
Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State
7 p.m. ET · ESPN+
The winners' bracket in the Stillwater Regional gives us the matchup we've all been waiting for.
Both Arkansas and Oklahoma State looked impressive in their opening matchups, as the Razorbacks offense came to life behind their ace, and the Cowboys slugged their way to victory over Missouri State.
Now, the two teams that were equal favorites to win this Regional will square off. But the host team has a significant edge.
Oklahoma State pitched off yesterday with Victor Mederos. That means the Cowboys will turn to ace Justin Campbell. Campbell was one of the best right-handed pitchers in the country this season, and he'll enter this start with a 3.44 ERA, a .212 BAA and 133 strikeouts over 94 innings of work.
The Razorbacks are going to turn to true freshman Hagen Smith. Smith showed plenty of flashes this season, as he has good stuff but had a handful of rough outings against SEC opponents and will enter this start with a 4.86 ERA.
Unfortunately for Smith, the Cowboys can absolutely rake. They hit .291 as a team this season and swatted 83 homers. They're also coming off a fantastic offensive day when they put up 10 runs on 14 hits.
Back the Cowboys to support their ace and take control of the Regional.
Pick: Oklahoma State -120 ( Play to -180)
North Carolina & Stanford ML Parlay
UNC vs. VCU, 7 p.m. ET · Stanford vs. Texas State, 10 p.m. ET
This is not something I usually do, but both of these top seeds are in great sports to keep rolling today. Plus, there are many heavy favorites on the board that are tough to bet straight.
The Tar Heels put on an offensive display against Hofstra, as they mashed homer after homer en route to a 15-4 win. Their ace, Max Carlson, was solid, allowing two runs over six quality innings of work.
Now, the red-hot Heels will look to support No. 2 starter Brandon Schaeffer, who was dominant down the stretch. They're in good shape to end VCU's winning streak as the Rams turn to Campbell Ellis, who is not overpowering and posted a .240 BAA this season.
The Heels should make loud contact against Ellis and roll as the first leg of this play.
The second leg of this play is backing the Cardinal.
Stanford pitched off yesterday and will get to throw ace Alex Williams, who pitched lights out this season. Williams enters this start with a 1.98 ERA and a .204 BAA.
He will be backed by one of the hottest lineups in the country. Stanford won by two touchdowns over Binghamton, putting up 20 runs on 21 hits while smacking four homers in the process.
I expect them to give their ace more than enough support today.
Pick: Stanford & North Carolina ML Parlay +103
