College Baseball World Series

Good morning,

Let’s dive in…

Developing Stories 📰

After LSU edged out the win in extra innings in game 1, the Gators fought back in game 2, defeating the Tigers 24-4. Neither starting pitcher was particularly effective in game 2. Hurston Waldrep got the start for Florida, surrendering three earned runs on four hits and six walks over 2.1 innings of work. For the Tigers, Nate Ackenhausen took the loss, allowing six R on five hits and one walk over 2.1 innings. The pitching wasn’t the story of the day. The Gators’ offensive performance was the real headline. Florida had eight players notch multiple hits, including Wyatt Langford  going 5-5, four R, six RBI, 2B, HR, Ty Evans went 3-5, three R, five RBI, two HR, Jac Caglianone went 3-6, three R, five RBI, two HR, Josh Rivera (2-7, two R, RBI, two SB) and BT Riopelle 2-6, R, RBI, HR, among others. Hits were a bit more difficult to come by for the Tigers in game 2, with only one player – Dylan Crews (2-3, two R)  recording multiple hits. Brayden Jobert also went yard in the loss.

Heading into game 3, this College World Series Finals is anyone’s for the taking. In game 1, LSU demonstrated their ability to win close games, which is crucial in this type of win-or-go-home game. However, game 2 showed just how good Florida can be when everything is clicking. On the mound, it’s overwhelmingly likely that both teams roll out their aces in an effort to claim a National Championship. For the Tigers, this means they’ll likely start projected top-ten pick Paul Skenes (13-2, 1.69 ERA, 209/20 K/BB). Skenes has been perhaps the best starting pitcher in the country this season, and he’ll look to add a National Championship to his already-impressive resume with a win in game 3.

For Florida, we’ll likely see Jac Caglianone get the nod. Through 17 starts and 73.1 innings, the two-way star posted a 7-3 record with a 3.63 ERA and 85/52 K/BB ratio. While his line is not quite as impressive as Skenes’, he’s still held opposing hitters to a paltry .188 average. In game 2, Florida experienced an offensive explosion after struggling a bit in game 1. On the other hand, LSU has been relatively mediocre at the plate through the first two games of the series. While we don’t expect Florida to score 20+ runs again (especially against a pitcher of Skenes’ caliber), we do think that the Gators have a slight advantage in the run production category.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 2003 NBA Draft St Vincent- St Mary HS small forward LeBron James is first pick by Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Atlanta Hawks are trading forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz, the Hawks are getting forward Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick.

No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanya has decided not to play for France in this summer’s FIBA World Cup to focus on preparing for his rookie season with the Spurs.

Timberwolves center Naz Reid has agreed on a new three-year $42 million contract that includes a player option.

Josh Hart and the New York Knicks have agreed to extend a midnight deadline on Saturday for his $12.9 million player option.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman collects his 2000th hit with a double on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles Devon Allen runs 4^th-fastest 110m hurdles this year.

Steve Sarksian and Texas secured a commitment from Jerrick Gibson. The top ranked running back in the 2024 class.

West Virginia has named assistant Josh Eilert as a temporary solution to replace departed means basketball coach Bob Huggins.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

⚾️ Reds at Orioles

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

⚾️ Brewers at Mets

• Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets

⚾️ Tigers at Rangers

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas

⚾️ Nationals at Mariners

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Seattle

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

⚾️ College World Series

48% of bets and 65% of money is on LSU -145

⚾️ MLB

59% of bets and 71% of money is on OVER 8.5 MIL at NYM

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Picks 🔒

Reds +120 | The Reds are one of the best teams in baseball. Since the start of May, Cincinnati has the 5th-best ISO (.188), the 6th-best wOBA (.347), and is tied for the 8th-best wRC+ (111) against left-handed pitching.

Angels -135 | The Angels are a solid play behind the southpaw Detmers, who has been pretty tough at home. He has managed a respectable 3.79 ERA in 38 innings while recording 51 strikeouts in his 7 outings at Angel Stadium.