One of the best things about the NCAA Tournament, both in baseball and in basketball, is watching the Cinderella team make a run.
Last year we had Davidson and Sam Houston State reach the regionals as underdogs. In fact, over the past four seasons we’ve had at least two 3-seeds reach the super regionals. And in three of those four years, at least one 4-seed has reached the super regionals.
History tells us that we will see that happen again this year, so let’s take a look at some three and four seeds that could advance this weekend.
Texas A&M
The most obvious choice for a 3-seed to advance in this tournament is Texas A&M. This team has all of the talent to get the job done, and they’re playing a regional that is close to home. Even as the 3-seed, some would say the Aggies are the favorite to win this regional. So while it might not be much of an upset, Texas A&M is our most likely pick to advance as a 3-seed.
Oklahoma State
If you’ve read my regional preview for Stetson, then you know I’m not exactly high on Oklahoma State. That being said, they are a Big 12 team with tournament experience. That’s not something that can be said for the top two teams in this regional. While I believe Stetson and South Florida are more talented teams top-to-bottom, that’s not to say that Oklahoma State doesn’t have the firepower to win this regional.
Houston
Houston won the AAC see regular season title, so you know they are talented. I’m not a huge fan of North Carolina or Purdue in this regional, so it’s very possible that the Cougars could make a run and advance.
Oklahoma
Looking at Oklahoma’s stats, something doesn’t add up to their record. They’re way more talented than their record indicates, but they haven’t been able to put it together for a long stretch. If they catch fire this weekend they could easily take the Tallahassee regional.
Washington
The Huskies finished the season strong with series wins over UCLA and Stanford. They are one of the hottest teams in the country heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Dallas Baptist
Missouri State, also out of the Missouri Valley Conference, went into Arkansas last year and pulled off the upset. There is certainly reason to believe that Dallas Baptist could do the same thing. They have the offense to get it done if they can get into a team’s bullpen.
Troy
Here is my one real long shot for a 3-seed. I don’t have much faith in Georgia and Duke in this regional, and Troy is playing exceptionally well. They hit well (7 runs a game) and pitched well (3.73 staff ERA) enough this year to prove they have what it takes to win a regional.
UNCW
The Greeneville regional is up for grabs with every team capable of advancing, and that includes 4-seeded UNC Wilmington. They played in a highly competitive CAA conference this year. They have enough pitching to get them through this regional.
Saint Louis
Speaking of pitching, the Billikens have one of the best pitching staffs in the country led by Miller Hogan. They have the offense and the pitching to make some noise in the Oxford regional. I think they got a bad draw as this is a tough regional with Ole Miss, but Saint Louis is one of the best 4-seeds in this tournament. Hogan is a weapon that can beat any team in the country.
Morehead State
Everyone knows how strong the OVC was this year with Tennessee Tech getting an at-large bid. Well, Morehead State beat them in back-to-back games to win the conference tournament. I know they have the offense to compete in this regional. The question will be whether or not they can pitch enough to give their offense a shot to win.
