After an incredible first two days of games in Omaha, we have our first elimination game on tap in the College World Series on Sunday. Two teams will fight for their season in the afternoon, then Oral Roberts will look to continue its Cinderella run against their fiercest opponent yet.
Let's dive into both matchups and uncover the best bets for each in our Men's College World Series Best Bets, Odds: Picks for TCU vs Virginia, Florida vs Oral Roberts (Sunday, June 18).
Men's College World Series Best Bets, Odds: Picks for TCU vs Virginia, Florida vs Oral Roberts (Sunday, June 18)
TCU vs. Virginia
| TCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| +160 | 11.5 -115 / -115 | +1.5 -120 |
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -195 | 11.5 -115 / -115 | -1.5 -110 |
TCU Horned Frogs
Both of these teams lost their opening games in a heartbreaking fashion. However, with their seasons hanging in the balance, one team is primed to bounce back today.
The Horned Frogs gave a very good account of themselves against Oral Roberts. They had the upper hand for the first eight innings of the game, but then the bullpen melted down as the Golden Eagles struck for four runs in the top of the ninth and never looked back.
Now, this team that was once surging has gotten the wind taken out of their sails, and they have an even tougher matchup ahead of them. TCU will have to contend with Virginia's ace, Connelly Early.
Early has been tremendous for the Hoos, as he enters this matchup with a 2.93 ERA on the season. The lethal lefty has been dominant on many occasions but appears to have turned it up for the postseason. Through two postseason starts, Early has a 1.37 ERA and has struck out 18 batters over 13 innings pitched.
Virginia will likely lean on him for as long as they can after their bullpen implosion. It could be a long afternoon for the Horned Frogs at the dish.
Virginia Cavaliers
Offensively, Virginia did their job against the Florida Gators. They were being overpowered early by Brandon Sproat, but they made him work as the game went along and were able to break through late. This afternoon, they have a far better matchup and should be able to get the bats going much earlier.
The lineup with the best team batting average in the country will face TCU's Cam Brown. Brown has risen to the occasion for the Horned Frogs, but the numbers are pointing toward a rough outing.
Brown enters with a 5.50 ERA and an FIP even higher at 5.94. The one thing to watch for is his command. Brown has a 15.3% walk rate on the season, and if the Hoos are getting free passes, they will be on the board in a hurry.
I expect Brown to have a short leash, but the Horned Frogs pen is a big question mark. There are only a few trusted relievers to turn to.
TCU vs. Virginia Betting Pick
Virginia has the edge on both sides here. They are the superior lineup and have an excellent matchup to get the bats going early. Early has been tremendous for them this postseason and has given us no reason to doubt him on the big stage.
TCU's lineup is talented, but they will have trouble against the lefty this afternoon. Back Virginia to survive and advance.
Pick: Virginia ML -195 ( Play to -210)
Oral Roberts vs. Florida
| Oral Roberts Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| +235 | 12 -110 / -120 | +2.5 +100 |
| Florida Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -300 | 12 -110 / -120 | -2.5 -130 |
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
This matchup will be a measuring stick for just how good the Golden Eagles can be. Florida has them overmatched in essentially every area, but even if this matchup shows that, there is still a strong angle for this game.
The Golden Eagles added another chapter to their Cinderella story in the first game of the College World Series as they mounted a dramatic ninth-inning comeback to secure the win. However, they will now face their toughest test to date in the form of Florida's Hurston Waldrep.
Waldrep may have gotten bit by the homerun ball at times this season, but he's shown many times that he can bite back. His last outing against South Carolina is a prime example, as he dominated the Gamecocks. Waldrep carried the Gators in that outing, tossing eight shutout innings while striking out 13 batters and allowing just three hits. He should be able to overpower the Golden Eagles this afternoon, as we saw them struggle against Kole Klecker.
Waldrep is the best pitcher this Oral Roberts lineup has faced all year, and we should see another vintage performance from him tonight.
Florida Gators
In the preview for their first matchup, I talked about how the power in this Florida lineup makes them dangerous at all times, and they showed that in the bottom of the ninth. After BT Riopelle brought the Gators within one in the bottom of the eighth, Wyatt Langford tied it with a 456 ft homer. It is the longest homer tracked at Charles Schwab Field, and you can relive it below:
WYATT LANGFORD TIES IT FOR FLORIDA (-140 ML) IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 9THpic.twitter.com/lzBT1GhNkB
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) June 17, 2023
We may see more long homers from the Gators tonight as they are in line to face Harley Gollert. Gollert enters with an impressive 10-1 record and a 4.30 ERA, but he is a fly ball pitcher, and that is an unfavorable style against this Florida lineup.
On top of Gollert potentially giving up long balls, the Golden Eagles do not have many reliable options to turn to in the pen. Multiple guys out of the bullpen have struggled with command, and it's nearly burned them on many occasions in the postseason.
Their luck is bound to run out, and it could lead to significant damage from Florida.
Oral Roberts vs. Florida Betting Pick
The Gators are clearly the side to back here, as they get to turn to the best pitcher on their staff in Hurston Waldrep tonight. Not only should Waldrep dominate this lineup with his overpowering stuff, but he will get plenty of run support.
Now the market has recognized Florida's edges in this matchup as well, and their moneyline has swelled to over -300 at most shops. So while they make an excellent parlay piece, the best way to target this matchup is to take the under.
While Florida's offense is very potent, Waldrep should shut down the Golden Eagles and keep this game under the total.
