We were just a few outs away from sweeping the board yesterday, but North Carolina's magic continued. Regardless, Saturday's slate of Super Regionals is set to be tremendous, as all 16 teams will be in action today.
So, with the first pitch just hours away, let's dive into our three NCAA baseball best bets for Saturday, June 8.
NCAA Baseball Best Bets: Saturday, June 8
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 12 p.m. | |
  | 2 p.m. | |
  | 6 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
NC State vs. Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs faced some adversity in their Regional, as their pitching was not sharp against Army West Point and Georgia Tech. Fortunately, they have arguably the best lineup in the country to fall back on.
It's no secret how potent the Georgia bats are, and they excel in their home ballpark. The Bulldogs hit 142 homers and held a wRC+ of 151.
They will be the toughest assignment of the season for NC State's ace, Sam Highfill. It will be daunting for Highfill, who has not been sharp lately, as he comes into this outing with a 6.35 ERA over his last five starts.
On the other side, Leighton Finley is looking for a bounce-back performance after Army tagged him for four earned runs in three-plus innings of work. Finley is likelier to find it in this outing than his counterpart.
Including his last start, Finley holds a 2.91 ERA over his previous five starts and is averaging 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He has been huge for the Bulldogs down the stretch, and the bats should give him plenty of run support this afternoon.
Back the Bulldogs to take Game 1.
Pick: Georgia ML (-150)
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Oregon vs. Texas A&M
The Texas A&M Aggies may have been a quick exit in the SEC Tournament, but they got back on track in Regionals. They took their region without much of a sweat and are poised to keep rolling in Game 1 against the Oregon Ducks.
This matchup starts on the mound, and Ryan Prager will get the ball for the Aggies. Prager emerged as one of the best starters in the country this season, and he comes into his 17th start of the year with a 2.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 33.14 percent strikeout rate.
He'll face a Ducks lineup that is solid but has not faced an arm close to the caliber of Prager's all season long. Given that Oregon scored just eight runs in their three Regional games, they are not in the best form to face Prager.
As for Oregon's ace, RJ Gordon, he will have to step up big in this one. Gordon had a solid season pitching to a 4.73 ERA over 16 starts, but it had some implosions against much weaker lineups than the one he'll see today.
Gordon is set to face an Aggies lineup that has loads of pop. Texas A&M slugged 130 homers and held a wRC+ of 148 on the year. If Gordon can't keep the ball in the yard, the Ducks could be in a deep hold very quickly.
Take the Aggies to cover the spread.
Pick: Texas A&M -2.5 (-120)
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Oregon State vs. Kentucky
The Lexington Super Regional has the potential to be the best one of the weekend. The Oregon State Beavers and the Kentucky Wildcats are evenly matched on paper, and it's safe to say that this opening matchup is closer to a coin flip than the odds tell you.
The Beavers looked prime to make a run to Omaha early in the year as Travis Bazzana led a lineup that outslugged everyone in their path. However, injuries struck, and the Beavers stumbled during conference play.
Well, the Oregon State lineup is healthy, and we saw them come to life in their Regional. However, this matchup will come down to the man on the mound, Aiden May.
May has been the man for the Beavers as he pitched to a 2.90 ERA over 13 starts this season. He's been even better down the stretch, as he has a 1.86 ERA over his last five outings.
However, the Wildcats must be given credit. They were the third-best team in the nation this season by RPI and won 43 games in a stacked SEC conference. They will also hand the ball to their ace, Trey Pooser.
Pooser was a big part of Kentucky's success this season, with a 3.78 ERA in 17 starts. The issue for the Wildcats in this matchup and this series will be who will take the mound after Pooser.
Kentucky's staff had a 5.11 ERA on the year and has not pitched well lately, as their team ERA over their last 15 games is 6.61.
Those are not numbers you want against a resurgent lineup like Oregon State's.
Take the value on the Beavers as underdogs.
Pick: Oregon State ML (+105)
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