The 2021 NCAA season got underway in June with the road to 2021 College World Series offering up plenty of twists and turns. After the 2020 campaign was canceled, the players could be forgiven for assuming they might not get to sample the competition one last time. However, luck was on their side, and next batch of potential MLB stars were on show as reigning champions Vanderbilt vied for back-to-back titles.
As ever, the players had their work cut out for them because Vanderbilt had a target on their backs, one of the several elements the baseball guide provided by https://www.howtobet.com/mlb-betting/ says you should always watch out for. In the end, How to Bet was right as the Mississippi State Bulldogs clinched their inaugural title. So, what did we learn from the season?
Bednar Was the Star of the Show
It’s easy to take the curtain-raising finale and use it to analyze the entire season. If you do that, you certainly end up with Will Bednar as the Most Valuable Player. After all, the right-hander went for six no-hit innings to set up a shutout in the third game of the series and clinch the title. Yes, Landon Sims followed up too, but the groundwork was laid by Bednar.
Regardless, the Bulldogs’ pitcher was impressive from the start of the campaign, making history in the opening game to record a 15-strikeout game. Plus, he performed at high intensity, and with great skill, without much rest. For instance, he had three days between the second and third fixtures. Overall, it’s hard to argue that anyone deserves the plaudits as much as this young man does.
But Sam Highfill Is the One to Watch
For those who are wondering why Sam Highfill is the one to watch after Will Bednar dominated the NCAA season, it’s simple – his lack of experience. The freshman wasn’t even on the radar, never mind under it when North Carolina State kick-started its campaign. By the end of it, everyone was asking about the pitcher who went toe-to-toe with Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter.
If that wasn’t enough, an injury-hit North Carolina side had to reshuffle the pack, with Highfill playing first base. That meant he had to bat as well as pitch, and he showed his natural skill when he made three hits from his first four at-bats. Next year should only get better for him, so it’s easy to see why people are excited.
Attacking Plays Steal the Show
Sometimes, baseball can drag on and turn the crowd off. There is excitement in the end, but only because one team has to win. Nothing can happen for several innings. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case this season. Batting-wise, 28 home runs were recorded in the College World Series in Omaha, including ten from the finalists in the finals.
The pitchers weren’t to be outdone, either, as aggressive, nasty pitches took center stage from some of the season’s best pitchers. It’s no coincidence that the ones who took used this strategy, including Kumar Rocker, Jack Leiter, and Will Bednar, are the pitchers who came out of the tournament with the most praise.
The NCAA season will return in 2021/22 with every qualifying team in with an opportunity of claiming the crown. As always, some sides will have better chances than others.
