Saturday in the 2023 College Baseball World Series regionals was rough, as seemingly no team we picked could get the clutch base hit or out defensively that we needed.
However, with teams fighting for their seasons this afternoon, we should see some inspired efforts. So, let's dive into the best bets for Day 3 of Regionals.
Campbell -115 vs. NC State
12 pm ET · ACC Network
The Humps were put on the ropes early by Central Connecticut State Saturday. They were down 5-1 entering the bottom of the seventh but then rallied to tie it and kept the momentum going as they eventually won 10-5.
That offensive spark is what should carry over to today, as they face the NC State Wolfpack in a rematch with a spot in the regional final on the line. We're at the point in the weekend where pitching is thinning out, and the bats will start making the difference.
With that being the case in this matchup, you will want to back the Camels. They've been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country, as they hold a 137 wRC+, which stems from hitting .316 while sending 118 balls over the wall this season.
This is a great spot to back the Camels, as we're getting them at a much better price than on Friday. You can grab them at -115 at bet365, but If you're at another book, I would play them up to -140.
DBU -190 vs. Washington
3 p.m. ET · ESPN+
DBU brought out the big guns Saturday as they throttled the host Oklahoma State Cowboys 18-4. They've earned a shot to advance to next weekend with a win today, and they'll have a great chance to do so against the Washington Huskies.
Just like the matchup above, this is also a rematch of Friday's opener, where the Huskies were able to outslug DBU on their way to victory. However, we should see the opposite result this afternoon, as the Patriots have the edge on the mound.
DBU is projected to turn to their No. 2 starter Braxton Bragg. Bragg has had a very solid junior campaign as he enters with a 4.48 ERA, but his SIERA is 3.12, and he has only walked 17 batters in 78 innings of work.
As for the Huskies, their pitching is in question after they blew a 7-run first-inning lead in their loss to Oral Roberts Saturday night. They are projected to give the ball to their No. 3 starter Jared Engman.
Engman has a tall task in front of them, as we've seen this Patriots lineup mash, and being in Stillwater only helps the bats. However, Engman is also due to get hit around, as his FIP is 7.63, which is nearly two full runs higher than his season ERA.
Many sportsbooks moved this line from around -140 to -200, but it can be found for a little bit of a discount at -190 at BetMGM. Back the Patriots to move on to the regional final.
Arkansas -1.5 vs. TCU
2 p.m. ET · SEC Network
This was one of my best bets from earlier this weekend, and it's still one of my favorites today.
On Friday, I faded the Horned Frogs to no avail. Arizona's pitching faltered, and TCU's ace was solid. Tonight, though, the Frogs are going to see a massive step up in competition on the hill as they face Arkansas' Hagen Smith.
Smith dominated all season and showed he's one of the best pitchers in the country. He enters this start with a 2.69 ERA and .199 BAA, but he also has a ton of confidence after outdueling potential top-five MLB Draft pick Paul Skenes in his last start against LSU.
Smith should find a way to shut down a TCU lineup that doesn't have a ton of pop. However, the more significant issue for the Horned Frogs comes on the mound.
After Kole Klecker dealt last night, the Horned Frogs don't have a reliable option to turn to tonight. They have a staff FIP of 5.47 and will face a Razorbacks lineup that's seeing the ball well after demolishing Santa Clara on Friday.
The moneyline for this matchup has skyrocketed after the postponement, but the run line at -1.5 is an excellent bet. You can get -1.5 (-115) at bet365, and other books have it at -2.5, but if you're going to take that, make sure it's plus money.
