One of the two Super Regionals that feature two top-seed regional teams, North Carolina will host Stetson for a spot in the College World Series. While looking at the names one might think the Tar Heels have themselves a pass to the series, the Hatters have an ace up their sleeve.
Series Odds
BetDSI Sportsbook has released odds, which you can view below, for this matchup.
Stetson Hatters +150
North Carolina Tar Heels -245
Series Preview
North Carolina’s bats lit up the competition in the regional as the Tar Heels averaged 11.3 runs per game by beating North Carolina A&T 11-0, Houston 4-3 and then the Cougars again 19-11.
Leading North Carolina’s charge at the plate during the regional was first baseman Michael Busch who batted .636 with 9 RBIs and a home run last weekend.
Looking to shutdown the Tar Heels will be Stetson ace and 14th overall pick of the Seattle Mariners Logan Gilbert.
The Hatters saved Gilbert’s arm for Game 2 of the regional against Oklahoma State and he did not disappoint as he went seven innings and gave up two runs, five hits and three walks while striking out 14.
Gilbert isn’t the only ace on the team as Jack Perkins (11th round, Philadelphia Phillies) pitched the clinching game against the Cowboys by tossing a complete game and giving up three hits, an unearned run and a walk while tossing 13 strikeouts.
Even Stetson’s No. 3 starter who tossed six innings and gave up two runs, one earned, on a walk and five strikeouts against Hartford, Joey Gonzalez was drafted in the 28th round by the Houston Astros.
The Hatters’ designated hitter Brooks Wilson was drafted in the seventh round by the Atlanta Braves as a pitcher, but during the regional Wilson led a strong Stetson offense that averaged 9.7 runs by batting .583 with 7 RBIs.
Prediction
This is new territory for Stetson as it hasn’t been out of the regional in program history. But every season there is always a sneaky team to make its way to the College World Series, while a No. 1 regional seed isn’t very sneaky, the Hatters aren’t nationally known by those who only see college baseball this time of year.
Look for Stetson to be the fan favorites in Omaha.
