May 30, 2014

CBI Regional Picks

In anticipation of the start of the 2014 Road to Omaha, Phil and Sean make their picks for the 16 regionals.

Corvallis

Phil: Oregon State is one of the most complete teams in the country. With the dominant arms of Ben Wetzler and Jace Fry, I expect the Beavers to protect the home turf and advance.

Sean: Beavers cruise to Super Regionals.

Stillwater

Phil: Oklahoma State felt it deserved to be a national seed and will play with a chip on its shoulder. Nebraska had a strong showing in the Big Ten tourney. Cal State Fullerton has played well the past few weeks to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. I think the Cowboys will be the last team standing.

Sean: Fullerton stays hot, rides arms to Supers.

Baton Rouge

Phil: LSU is difficult to beat in The Box. Houston has had an outstanding season and will be a tough out, but Tigers prevail.

Sean: Tigers playing best ball at right time.

Houston

Phil: Rice welcomes in-state rivals Texas and Texas A&M for an intriguing first-round match-up. The Owls should outlast the competition.

Sean: Texas makes Rice work for it, but Owls advance.

Bloomington

Phil: I think Indiana has the smoothest path to the Super Regionals. The Hoosiers should go 3-0.

Sean: Hoosiers get tested but move on.

Nashville

Phil: Oregon will provide stiff competition, but I expect Vanderbilt to advance.

Sean: Ducks push ‘Dores to limit, but Vandy prevails.

Tallahassee

Phil: Florida State should take advantage of home field and advance to next weekend.

Sean: Noles have big bats carry them to Supers.

Louisville

Phil: Kentucky and Kansas will provide difficult competition, but Louisville should survive.

Sean: Cards and Cats battle to end, UL moves on.

Gainesville

Phil: Florida has a tough first-round match-up in College of Charleston, but the Gators should prevail over the Cougars, the Dirtbags and the Tar Heels.

Sean: Gators survive tightly contested Regional.

Coral Gables

Phil: Miami should have little trouble on its way to Gainesville next weekend.

Sean: Texas Tech makes it interesting, but Miami advances.

Fort Worth

Phil: Dallas Baptist and Sam Houston State are tough outs, but TCU should outlast the competition.

Sean: TCU pitching prevails.

San Luis Obispo

Phil: Cal Poly is hosting for the first time and needs to take advantage of playing at home. I expect WCC champ Pepperdine to outlast the Mustangs and Sun Devils.

Sean: Mustangs move on to first Super Regional.

Charlottesville

Phil: Lots of good arms at Davenport with Virginia, Arkansas and Liberty. The Cavs should hit a bit better and Nick Howard had been dynamite in the ninth. I expect UVA to WIN.

Sean: Virginia makes it look easy.

Columbia

Phil: Maryland, Old Dominion and Campbell are returning to the NCAA tourney after lengthy absences. South Carolina takes advantage and plans its trip to Charlottesville.

Sean: Gamecocks continue Regional streak.

Lafayette

Phil: ULL has not hosted in a while and will have its hands full with Mississippi State and San Diego State. The Cajuns should rage on into next weekend.

Sean: Bulldogs get past Cajuns on Monday.

Oxford

Phil: I think this is the toughest regional. Washington was in the mix until late to host a regional and is a strong #2-seed. Georgia Tech won the ACC championship and enters as a #3 seed. The games should be tight, but I expect Ole Miss to prevail.

Sean: Washington waltzes past competition into Supers.