The College World Series first round will re-commence today at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha with games between the Arizona State University Sun Devils vs. UC Irvine Anteaters in Game-One (2 p.m. ET) and Oregon State Beavers vs. Cal State Fullerton in the nightcap (7 p.m.).
Oddsmakers at online sportsbook Bodog.com favor the Sun Devils in the afternoon with a -250 money line chalk to beat the Anteaters (+210) , but don’t see an advantage between either team in the game between the Beavers and Titans installing both with -110 odds to win the game.
Game-One: Arizona State Sun Devils (-250 ml) vs. UC-Irvine Anteaters (+210 ml) 2 p.m. ET.
While the Anteaters aren’t the most talented team in the field, they play extremely hard and put pressure on opposing pitchers. They are near the top of the national list in stolen bases as a team. They also have impressive numbers on the mound. If weekend starters Scott Gorgen and Wes Etheridge get in a groove and the offense is able to get runners on base, watch out for the Anteaters.
The Sun Devils don't have an incredibly deep pitching staff but they've got quality arms at the front of the weekend rotation. With their offensive production, that's all they need. The wind usually blows out to left-center at Rosenblatt Stadium, and that should work to ASU's advantage. If the Sun Devils hit like they're capable of doing, they're an extremely tough team to beat.
Game-Two: Oregon State Beavers (-110 ml) vs. Cal State Fullerton Titans (-110 ml) 7 p.m. ET.
There's no substitute for experience when it comes to the College World Series. That's exactly what Pat Casey's Oregon State Beavers have entering this week's action. While OSU leaves something to be desired at the plate, it has one of the nation's most talented pitching staffs. The offense got the job done against Michigan and must approach the CWS field with the same attitude. When the dust settles, OSU's hurlers will lead the way.
After winning the San Diego Regional and the Fullerton Super Regional, you have to wonder how much gas the Titans have left in the tank. While that is certainly a concern, there's also the George Horton factor. Not only did Horton carry the Titans through the first two rounds of the postseason, he also knows what it takes to win in the College World Series. If Roemer and Kaplan throw the way they did against UCLA, the Titans could experience success in Omaha.
