Lexington Regional Odds
 | Kentucky Wildcats | -155 |
 | Indiana State Sycamores | +160 |
 | Illinois Fighting Illini | +550 |
 | Western Michigan Broncos | +1800 |
There's no better team in the nation on paper than Kentucky. The Wildcats dominated Quad 1 and Quad 2 teams while generating one of the best road records in the nation.
Head coach Nick Mingione has a team that could be dangerous in Omaha, featuring best-in-class defense and pitching. Trey Pooser, Mason Moore and Dominic Niman have been a solid starting staff in SEC play.
If there's a concern for Kentucky in this Regional, it's the instant pop the 2- and 3-seeds bring to the table.
Indiana State just missed on a second consecutive selection as a Regional host, instead making the short trip to Lexington.
There's not much lacking from the Sycamores' resume, which includes nonconference victories over tournament teams such as UConn, Southern Miss and its first-round opponent, Illinois.
Ace Jacob Spencer did see the Illini lineup in that victory, firing two innings while allowing just a single hit.
The Big Ten race was a game of hot potato, but Illinois held on for the regular-season title before a quick exit from the conference tournament.
Head coach Dan Hartleb brings a squad with defense and slugging, with the power being supplied by infielder Ryan Moerman. The pitching has been suspect all season, ranking below No. 4 seed Western Michigan in this Regional.
There's some value fading Kentucky here.
All pitching combinations for the Wildcats against Illinois project around -140, while the head-to-head with Indiana State comes in at nearly -110 with every combination of Sycamore pitchers.
With Kentucky's true odds of 56% to take the Regional, the Wildcats' number is oversold after -130. Both of the numbers for Illinois and Indiana State have value, as the proper prices are Sycamores +140 and Illinois +310.
With Indiana State expected to be a -140 favorite in the opener against the Fighting Illini, look for a hedge spot in the winners' bracket against Kentucky on Day 2.
Pick: Indiana State +275 or Better
Read Collin Wilson's full college baseball betting preview for the 2024 NCAA Regionals here.
