Matt Grissom, frequent VSiN guest on the topic of college baseball betting, offers his top plays for Sunday, June 1.
Clemson ML (-160) vs. Kentucky
Probable Pitchers: Talan Bell (CLEM) vs Nate Harris (UK)
Clemson faces elimination in their own backyard after a back-and-forth loss last night to West Virginia. The Tigers’ offense is much better than Kentucky’s. I think the sting of last night’s loss is going to have them ready to go in front of the home crowd.
Oklahoma State +1.5 (-120) vs. Georgia
Probable Pitchers: Harrison Bodendorf (OKST) vs. TBA (UGA)
I have attempted to back Oklahoma State’s ace, Harrison Bodendorf a couple of times now and assuming Josh Holliday doesn’t make the decision to pitch off him again, he should get the start today. Georgia looked lost yesterday against Duke’s mediocre pitching staff. While I was on Duke to win the game because of their offense, they only finished with 6 runs. So let’s back Bodendorf, the lefty. Georgia has struggled hitting left-handed pitchers all season, and they get one of the nation’s best. I think this is a tight one the whole way, and without knowing who Georgia is going to pitch yet, I don’t have complete confidence to go Oklahoma State ML, so give me the Cowboys +1.5.
Mississippi State ML (-150) vs. Northeastern
Probable Pitchers: Evan Siary (MSST) vs. TBA (NE)
We’ve seen the awesome story of Northeastern and their 27-game win streak heading into the postseason, but Mississippi State snapped it on Friday. I’m afraid for the Huskies, their dream season will once again end at the hands of Mississippi State. When you talk about strength of schedule, Mississippi State has been tested all season long. Not to discredit Northeastern’s run, but the Bulldogs shouldn’t have any issues winning this game.
Ole Miss ML (-130/Over 14.5 -120) vs. Georgia Tech
Probable Starters: Cade Townsend (MISS) vs TBA (GT)
This elimination game in Oxford is going to be one where the pitching staffs are going to throw everybody and the kitchen sink to try to stave off elimination and fight to live another day. When looking at the offenses, Georgia Tech ranks 53rd in wRC+ at 133, meanwhile Ole Miss ranks 31st at 142. Given the pitching depth that benefits the Rebels as well as the better offense and the fact they’re playing at home, I’ve got to side with Ole Miss in this one. We’ve also seen the ball fly all weekend in Oxford, so I’m correlating this play with the Over 14.5 as well. Considering that this will be an all hands on deck in the bullpen game, I expect runs to be well into the high teens today.
North Dakota State vs. Creighton Over 12.5 (-135)
Probable Starters: TBA (CREI) vs TBA (NDST)
It will be a common trend for today’s elimination games where teams will throw every arm available, but that doesn’t always lead to fewer runs. Creighton’s offense exploded in their game one win over Kansas, winning 11-4, but then had their bats cooled off by Arkansas in game two. I expect Creighton to have their way with the Bison pitching staff, which ranks 177th in team SIERA, while also being able to plate a couple of runs themselves.
Wake Forest +4.5 (-160) vs. Tennessee
Probable Starters: Logan Lunceford (WF) vs Dylan Loy (TENN)
In what has been a fairly non-competitive regional for Tennessee, if Wake Forest’s bats can come alive like they did earlier today, they will be able to push Tennessee in this win-or-go-home game. I was only able to lay the -160 for +4.5, but I like this down to +2.5 if you can get it with less juice. Lunceford was Wake’s ace at the start of the season, so they’ve got just as good of a chance to win this game as Tennessee does.
ML Parlay (+101): North Carolina, Florida State
These are the best two teams remaining in the ACC. They are both in the driver’s seat to win their regional. I think they both get the win tonight, clinching their spot in the super regionals.
Remember that before placing any regional bets, go download the College Baseball Insiders Regional Guide by visiting vsin.com/cws!
