Oregon State is consensus #1 team in the country. In many ways, OSU is like some of the vintage Vandy teams - in that they have a very, very deep pitching staff (a ridiculous 1.78 staff ERA!). They are built for a run in Omaha where pitching depth often makes the difference. But, in a best of 3 series, that pitching depth is not as big of an asset. Certainly, Heimlich/Thompson, with a combined record of 24-1 and ERAs around 1.00 are an awesome 1-2 combination. But, they did that largely against a weaker than normal Pac 12, and Raby/Wright stack up pretty well against OSU's big 2. OSU doesn't have the big bopper at the plate, but they have a lot of good hitters who get on base and don't strike out a lot.
To win this series, Vandy has to get 2 premium starts from Raby and Wright, which is doable, plus get one more guy hot (either Kendall or Infante) in addition to Toffey and Coleman. If that happens, they could steal a couple of 3-2 type games and make it through.
To win this series, Vandy has to get 2 premium starts from Raby and Wright, which is doable, plus get one more guy hot (either Kendall or Infante) in addition to Toffey and Coleman. If that happens, they could steal a couple of 3-2 type games and make it through.
