TCU vs Florida Odds
| TCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| +165 | 9.5 -110 / -120 | +1.5 +100 |
| Florida Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
-200 | 9.5 -110 / -120 | -1.5 -130 |
TCU Horned Frogs
After a crushing opening-game loss to Oral Roberts, the Horned Frogs were in an immediate hole. However, they have since dug themselves out of it by upsetting Virginia and avenging their loss to the Golden Eagles with a dominant victory yesterday.
Their winning streak has earned them a date with the Florida Gators on Wednesday.
Florida's pitching has looked dominant, as Brandon Sproat and Hurston Waldrep both dealt in their respective outings. Now, it's going to be Jac Caglianone's turn.
Florida's two-way star has not made an appearance on the hill in over 18 days, so he will be fresh — but he could also take an inning or two to settle in.
Fortunately for Florida, Cags is built to work his way out of command issues, holding a 26% strikeout rate with a microscopic BAA of .184. We may not see Caglianone for long in this one, as he's averaged just over four innings per start.
The Gators are in a good spot behind him, however. Their bullpen is fresh, and we should see their top arms make an impact once Florida grabs the lead.
This leaves the Horned Frogs in a tough spot offensively. Having to face a hard-throwing lefty will neutralize two of their top bats in Brayden Taylor and Elijah Nunez.
Florida Gators
Florida has flexed its muscle through the first two games of the College World Series. It slugged its way back to rally against Virginia and then hit three more homers against Oral Roberts to propel itself to victory in its second game.
It will be interesting to see if the Gators' power surge can continue today with a few things in their path. The first will be TCU's starting pitcher, which is projected to be true freshman Kole Klecker.
Klecker has been dynamite for TCU down the stretch and delivered a great start in the opener against Oral Roberts. However, he's due to regress statistically, and his method of attack could put him in trouble against the powerful Gators.
Klecker has found success working up in the zone with his fastball, but the Gators are among the few teams that can turn it around. Klecker's ability to pitch sharply may also be hindered by throwing on short rest.
TCU vs Florida Betting Pick
If you've been following my TCU coverage throughout the postseason, you know I've been consistently fading TCU with Klecker on the mound. While he has thwarted me in the past, this is the spot where he could implode.
On the other side, Florida is primed to contain the TCU order, as Caglianone should be effective for the first half of this game. And even if he can't go long, he'll hand the ball off to a well-rested bullpen.
Back the Gators to move on to the finals.
Pick: Florida -200 or Better
