Wake Forest vs. LSU Odds
| Wake Forest Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| +125 | 8 -110 / -120 | +1.5 -160 |
| LSU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -165 | 8 -110 / -120 | -1.5 +125 |
This is the matchup that we've all been waiting for. The only two teams to be ranked No. 1 in the country this season will square off with a trip to the College World Series finals on the line.
To make it even better, it's highly likely that both teams will throw their aces in this matchup, setting us up for a Rhett Lowder vs. Paul Skenes showdown.
Let's dive into this epic NCAA baseball matchup and find the best bet to make.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons came into Omaha on a roll. However, it appears they forgot to take their bats on the trip. After averaging over eight runs per game this season, the Deacs have failed to score more than three runs in any of their games in the College World Series.
They've been mighty fortunate to win twice, but we saw the issue with the Wake Forest lineup when their luck ran out last night. They've been unable to hit with runners on base, and they've had a power outage with a grand total of zero homers.
This desolate offense will now be set up to face Skenes, and their outlook couldn't be any bleaker. Skenes delivered in his first CWS start against Tennessee. He dominated the Vols, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out 12 batters over nearly eight innings of work.
The LSU bullpen has had a resurgence in the postseason, but you can bet that Skenes will do everything he can to minimize its involvement in this matchup.
LSU Tigers
The Tigers have found some magic in Omaha as their bullpen has stepped up with back-to-back incredible performances. LSU's relievers have allowed just two runs over the last two games and have put themselves in a great position tonight.
However, when you look at the Tigers' lineup, they have not inspired that much confidence. The winds in Omaha this week have been brutal to fly balls, which has minimized their power output. Still, they've found some timely hitting, as Cade Beloso delivered a big blow with his three-run homer in the third last night.
What's concerning is that the Tigers have only scored in spurts thus far. We haven't seen them be a constant threat, and they'll likely have very few opportunities to score tonight with Wake Forest's ace on the mound.
Lowder has been the big man on campus for this Wake team, as he's been lights-out all season long. However, we saw him struggle to settle down against Stanford as the Trees put him in a stressful situation early. While he did battle back, the tough first inning drove up his pitch count.
Lowder hasn't thrown more than 100 pitches in any outing this season, so his pitch count will be something to monitor. He should keep the LSU lineup quiet, but the Tigers can minimize his impact on this game if they can make him work.
However, the arms behind Lowder are no picnic either.
Wake Forest vs. LSU Betting Pick
If you follow me on Twitter, you'd know that I've been on the under. We got a gift with it opening at 11.5 for this matchup, but that line has disappeared in the short time since it was posted and now sits at 8.5.
Now, I would bet the total down to 8.5 with the pitching matchup pitting two future professionals against each other. However, it has lost a significant amount of value since it opened.
Another angle I'm on for this matchup is Wake's moneyline. This line has skyrocketed toward LSU since it opened last night. The steam is understandable with Skenes on the hill, but this price has become disrespectful to Wake.
The Deacs have a big task in front of them and haven't really given us much reason to back them offensively, but if they can find a way to get Skenes out of this game, they'll have a shot to rally in the late innings.
Pick: Under 8.5 or Better · Wake Forest ML +150 or Better |
