Day 3 of conference tournament action is primed to be the best one yet. Aces are wild today, and I cannot wait to enjoy today's action. I've found value in some of today's top matchups, so let's make this glorious day of college baseball even better by cashing some bets.
So, let's dive right into our college baseball best bets for the conference tournament slate on Wednesday, May 24.
Looking for Friday's college baseball best bets? Click below.
Pac-12 Tournament
Oregon State -135 vs. Arizona State
1 p.m. ET · Pac 12 Network
The Oregon State Beavers were shocked yesterday as they dropped their first matchup to the Arizona Wildcats.
The game was electric with both teams putting up runs in a hurry, but ultimately, the Beavers' pitching staff couldn't close the door as they blew multiple leads.
That type of pitching performance leads me to believe they will turn to their ace, Trent Sellers, this afternoon. Sellers proved to be dominant at times this season despite his 5.13 ERA. He struck out 101 batters over 66 innings and owns a 2.51 SIERA.
We saw yesterday just how potent this Beavers lineup can be as they pushed across 12 runs on 17 hits. They now get to face a Sun Devils pitching staff that was crushed by Arizona and is still due to regress, evidenced by a staff FIP of 6.26.
Back the Beavers to get back on track.
ACC Tournament
Virginia -135 vs. North Carolina
3 p.m. ET · ACC Network
We were on the Cavaliers yesterday, and they came through in a big way as they run-ruled Pitt. This red-hot offense now rolls into a matchup against North Carolina.
The Tar Heels are armed and ready for Virginia, as they'll give the ball to ace Max Carlson.
However, the sight of Carlson hasn't been as daunting as it was in years past. Carlson enters this start with a 5.97 ERA and has a 6.47 FIP. He's given up much more hard contact than last year, and his BAA is up 30 points from 2022.
We reviewed the numbers yesterday, but the Hoos boast a top-five lineup in the country, leading the nation in batting average. They showed yesterday that they have more than enough power to get the ball out in Durham.
To put a bow on this, the Cavaliers won yesterday without using any of their top three starters, who all own ERAs under four. We should see one of them, and whoever is on the bump will have plenty of run support.
Big Ten Tournament
Iowa -135 vs. Indiana
3 p.m. ET · Big Ten Network
The books love this price of -135, and so do I today — especially when it's given to the Iowa Hawkeyes with Brody Brecht on the mound.
Brecht became one of the most dominant forces in the country this season, overpowering hitters with his high-velocity arsenal. The former Iowa wide receiver has routinely hit triple digits and has been clocked as high as 104 mph.
This Hoosiers lineup knows Brecht all too well, as he shut them down back in April. The Hawkeyes flamethrower went seven innings and allowed one run on two hits while striking out seven.
Indiana is prepared to match up with Brecht, as it'll give the ball to its ace, Luke Sinnard. Sinnard was dominant this season in his own right, striking out 104 batters in 78 innings.
However, the pressure is on Sinnard, and one mistake could cost him the game with Brecht being lights out. Back the Hawkeyes in this pitchers' duel.
SEC Tournament
LSU vs. Arkansas Under 13.5 (-115)
5:30 p.m. ET · SEC Network
We go from one pitchers' duel to another, as the LSU Tigers face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks. This game features a pitching matchup that is appointment television.
Paul Skenes, who has been touted as one of the best college pitchers in a very long time, will get the ball for the LSU Tigers. He obliterated the opposition this season, owning a 1.77 ERA and striking out a staggering 164 batters over 86 innings pitched.
He'll face a Razorbacks lineup with plenty of talent. However, the unit didn't produce consistently. The Hogs finished 10th in the conference in batting average and ninth in wRC+.
So, it will be up to their pitcher to try and match Skenes. Hagen Smith has a tall task in front of him with the LSU lineup. However, he's proven that he's up for it after taking a giant leap during his sophomore season.
Smith was tremendous this year, posting a 2.56 ERA while holding opposing batters to just a .191 batting average. These two should duel deep into the game and keep the scoring at a minimum.
ACC Tournament
Miami -115 vs. NC State
7 p.m. ET · ACC Network
The NC State Wolfpack showed what they're made of by pulling out a gritty win in extra innings over Duke. However, they burned three very important bullets to get that victory.
Matt Willadsen started that game and went four innings. Dom Fritton went an inning and two-thirds in relief, and Logan Whitaker pitched two innings to close out the game.
With their top three pitchers potentially being unavailable tonight, the Pack find themselves in a precarious position against a dangerous Miami lineup.
This Hurricanes unit is loaded, as they finished seventh in the country in homers. Miami can and will strike at any time during this game.
Back the Canes to take down the Wolfpack tonight.
