The 2011 Clemson (SC) Regional features two teams from the state of South Carolina join them in the host Clemson Tigers and Coastal Carolina. The other two teams hail from the Nutmeg state with Uconn and Sacred Heart. Clemson and Sacred Heart will face off on the opening day while Uconn and Coastal Carolina face off in the other opening round game.
Players to Watch
Brad Miller (.419 BA, 5 HR, 46 RBI)
Will Lamb (.344 BA, 2 HR, 37 RBI)
Phil Pohl (.329 BA, 4 HR, 32 RBI)
Pitchers to Watch
Justin Sarratt (7-2, 2.40 ERA)
Dominic Leone (6-2, 3.38 ERA)
Why they will win: The Tigers are playing on their home field and with their fans. Clemson is also finally getting healthy in the pitching department led by Kevin Brady who is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA and has the potential to be a star in the coming years.
Uconn (41-17-1)
Players to Watch
George Springer (.361 BA, 12 HR, 74 RBI)
Mike Nemeth (.351 BA, 3 HR, 46 RBI)
LJ Mazzilli (.335 BA, 3 HR, 27 RBI)
Nick Ahmed (.327 BA, 2 HR, 31 RBI)
Pitchers to Watch
Kevin Vance (0-0, 0.98 ERA, 13 SV)
Matt Barnes (11-3, 1.12 ERA)
Why they will win: Uconn has two of the top players in the country in centerfielder George Springer and RHP Matt Barnes. They both can absolutely dominated games while they have the experience last season of playing in a regional.
Coastal Carolina (41-18)
Players to Watch
Tommy La Stella (.391 BA, 11 HR, 63 RBI)
Scott Woodward (.363 BA, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 30-34 SB)
Rich Witten (.288 BA, 5 HR, 49 RBI)
Pitchers to Watch
Anthony Meo (9-3, 2.21 ERA)
Matt Rein (9-2, 1.78 ERA)
Why they will win: Coastal Carolina won an NCAA Regional last year while they feature a strong number 1 in Anthony Meo. After him, they will have to scratch and claw their way to get another regional championship which is possible with Matt Rein coming out fo the pen this weekend.
Sacred Heart (34-21)
Players to Watch
JJ Edwards (.380 BA, 30 RBI)
Mj Schifano (.337 BA, 2 HR, 28 RBI)
Steve Tedesco (.335 BA, HR, 27 RBI)
Pitchers to Watch
Nick Leiningen (7-3, 3.68 ERA)
Troy Scribner (9-2, 3.69 ERA)
Why they will win: The Pioneers will need a couple of pitchers step up on the big stage to win the Regional this season. Both Leiningen and Scribner provide the tope two pitchers on the team. If they can give them quality starts, they will be an even tougher out.
Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Coastal Carolina
3. UConn
4. Sacred Heart
