Minnesota will play host to UCLA, Gonzaga and Canisius at Siebert Field for this regional. Here is a brief breakdown of each team as well as a prediction:
- Minnesota 41-13 (18-4)
The Golden Gophers get to host their first regional in 18 years. Their Big Ten Championship, 13 RPI and 12-4 record against regional teams helped them earn the honor. They enter as one of the hottest teams in the country with a nine-game winning streak. The one-two punch of Patrick Fredrickson (9-0, 1.78 ERA, 86.0 IP) and Reggie Meyer (7-3, 2.75 ERA, 95.0 IP) lead a staff that had a 3.05 ERA this season. Closer Max Meyer was lights out, picking up 16 saves in 37.1 innings while racking up 43 strikeouts en route to a 1.45 ERA.The offense had a combined .301 average, led by Terrin Verra’s .385, 10 HR and 55 RBI campaign. Outfielder Ben Mezzenga hit .381 with 26 RBI. Overall the Gophers have 5 starters above the .300 mark. Minnesota went 17-7 at home this year and loss 6-1 to UCLA in their only regular season matchup with teams from their regional.
- UCLA 36-19 (19-11)
The Bruins finished fourth in the Pac-12 this year. They sit at No. 26 in the RPI and went 9-7 against regional teams, including a 6-1 victory over host Minnesota. UCLA had a team ERA of 2.94 thanks in large part to the duo of Jake Bird and Ryan Garcia. Bird went 7-4 with a 1.99 ERA in 104.0 innings. Garcia was 7-1 with a 2.34 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 69.1 innings. The offense batted .286 with seven total starters over .275. Chase Stumpf hit .357 with 12 HR and 52 RBI. Michael Toglia batted .330 with 11 HR and 53 RBI. Outfielder Jeremy Ydens had the highest average at .362 and got 6 HR and 38 RBI. UCLA could be a team to watch in this regional.
- Gonzaga 32-22 (16-11)
The Bulldogs finished second in the helter skelter West Coast Conference before winning the tournament to clinch the league’s only berth. They went 2-4 versus regional teams this season and sit at 62nd in the RPI. A 2.97 staff ERA indicates their ability to pitch. Daniel Bies went 7-4 with a 2.50 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 104.1 innings. Mac Lardner was 6-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 86.2 innings. Alex Jacob rounds out the rotation at 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 95.0 innings pitched. Although they have many good arms, their lineup is top heavy offensively. The team batting average is .265 on the year. First baseman Jake Vieth hit .296 with 8 HR and 29 RBI. Gunnar Shubert batted .293 with 3 HR and 33 RBI.
- Canisius 35-20 (16-8)
The Golden Griffins finished second in the MAAC before winning the league tournament. Although they are No. 133 RPI, they have a 3-2 record against regional teams. Their offense has a .281 team average with four starters above the .300 mark. Utility Liam Wilson leads them at .360 with 9 HR and 48 RBI. 1B/3B Ryan Stekl sits at .301 with 10 HR and 62 RBI. JP Stevenson is 10-1 with a 2.54 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 95.2 innings. Tyler Smith and Will Frank lead the bullpen. Smith is 2-3 with a 1.06 ERA, 10 saves and 40 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. Frank is 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA, 3 saves and 45 strikeouts in 40 innings.
Prediction:
This regional is very intriguing. I think it’s a toss up between Minnesota and UCLA. Both the Gophers and Bruins are well-rounded. Gonzaga’s pitching could be enough to make things interesting, but I don’t think their offense has enough firepower to advance. I truly believe this is one of the toughest regionals to predict. For instance, UCLA averaged 6.9 runs per game this season compared to 6.8 for Minnesota. Their pitching is also neck and neck with team ERA of 2.94 and 3.05 respectively. Since it is so close statistically, I just have to go with my gut on this one.
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Winner: UCLA
