Off The Top Of My Head – Week 10 Preview
Eric Sorenson looks ahead to some important series in Week 10, including LSU-Ole Miss, Oklahoma-Texas, Oregon State-ASU, and more.
d1baseball.com
MID MAJOR SPOTLIGHT
– No. 24 Southern Miss at No. 10 Coastal Carolina
By The Numbers:
USM: 22-13, 10-5 Sun Belt. No. 21 RPI. Offense: .263/.425/.376. Pitching: 4.60 ERA, 343 Ks, 149 BBs. Defense: .971
CCU: 24-11, 11-4 Sun Belt. No. 10 RPI. Offense: 318/.561/.425. Pitching: 6.18 ERA, 393 Ks, 174 BBs. Defense: .970.
A classic mid-major showdown between two really solid programs. And of course there is also the intrigue of the unmovable force (USM pitching) going up against an irresistible force (CCU’s bats). After last week’s impressive road series win at Old Dominion, the Chanticleers have now won 11 straight Sun Belt weekends. USM’s Slade Wilks is coming off a Sun Belt Player of the Week awarding after the Eagles swept James Madison. Wilks had an eight-RBI game against the Monarchs and also has hit nine home runs in his last 15 games. Still, I think the arms crew on the Eagles side is just too much of a difference-maker here. I like the starting duo of Tanner Hall (7-2, 2.29) and Billy Oldham (3-1, 3.40). Also, if these games get decided by the bullpens, advantage Eagles. Again, just note that the Chants have a team ERA of 6.18. Ugh.