The old saying goes, "In baseball, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains." Well, the rain has given us some more Regional action and made this Monday exponentially better.
One additional way to top that is by cashing some bets, and I've found three that could do just that. So, let's dive into our best bets for Monday's NCAA Baseball Regionals action.
Oregon State vs. LSU
2 p.m. ET · ESPN+
We saw these two trade haymakers yesterday, but LSU would land the final blow with a homer in the bottom of the eighth to give the Tigers the lead for good. That homer was their fifth of the game, and the long ball supplied all of the Tigers' runs in that game.
We should see this LSU lineup stay hot this afternoon, as it will face an Oregon State pitching staff that has been stretched thin. Its options for this matchup are slim, and those numbers are not what you want to trot out against arguably the most dangerous lineup in the country.
Yeah you’ll most likely see Larson or Keljo get the ball in the first game. Hutcheson, Lawson, Mejia, and Brown in relief.
— Mark Garland (@margar0010) June 5, 2023
Despite all the narrative surrounding LSU's pitching struggles behind Paul Skenes, it has a significant edge on the mound after using only four pitchers to win two games this weekend.
Lastly, the Tigers also have a significant rest advantage, as the Beavers had to play Sam Houston late last night to get to this matchup. That game ended early Monday morning, and now they have to turn around about 12 hours later.
Back the Tigers to punch their ticket to Supers.
Pick: LSU -1.5 (-140 · bet365)
Arkansas vs. TCU
3 p.m. ET · ESPNU
In one of the most shocking games of the tournament, TCU routed Arkansas, 20-5. The game was nearly over before it started as Tre Richardson launched not one but two grand slams in the first two innings.
However, the Razorbacks picked themselves up off the deck and got the win they needed late last night against Santa Clara. Although, the victory came at a cost. The Razorbacks' pitching is depleted entering the game.
Here's how coach Dave Van Horn described it after last night's win:
Dave Van Horn said Arkansas' pitching situation for Monday's regional final against TCU is "not good."
"I don't even know who we're going to pitch. Normally I do, and I just don't tell you."
— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) June 5, 2023
As for the Horned Frogs, their pitching has a bit more upside. It's a strong possibility they turn to their ace Klecker. Klecker threw just four innings on Friday and should be able to give his team some quality innings this afternoon.
Arkansas' pitching staff is in dire straits, so it will have to mix and match its way through this game, which might actually help the Hogs.
In addition, we should see some offensive regression from TCU to help this game stay under the total.
This total sat at 14.5 on Monday morning, but it quickly jumped to 16.5. I re-bet the under at that number and would bet it all the way down to the original mark of 14.5.
Pick: Under 16.5
Coastal Carolina vs. Duke
6 p.m. ET · ESPN+
This matchup is Round 2 between the Blue Devils and Chanticleers with a spot in the Super Regionals on the line.
These two teams matched up yesterday, and it was a classic.
The game got off to a fast start as both sides traded grand slams in the first inning. However, Coastal Carolina would get ahead in the later innings and halt every rally by Duke.
It leads us to this rematch, where the Chanticleers are favored once again. But Coastal's pitching is thin for this Game 7, and that's where Duke has a big edge.
The Blue Devils are built for bullpen games, as they have a deep staff that's used to mixing and matching throughout a game. They often use openers and try to give their opponents as many looks as possible.
Their approach has been successful, as they rank eighth in the country in team ERA.
Duke's edge on the mound will only be amplified on the scoreboard. Brooks Stadium has been a hitter's park at the Conway Regional, and with Coastal scrambling for pitching options, the Blue Devils should have few issues supporting their staff.
Pick: Duke +110
