The Blue Workhorse

Legendary Rice coach Wayne Graham was accustomed to facing Fresno State (Rice was in the Western Athletic Conference with FSU from 1996-2005), but he had never played the Bulldogs in such a big game.

While Graham’s Rice Owls are making their 14th consecutive appearance in the national tournament and their third straight trip to Omaha, Fresno State slipped into the national tournament by winning the WAC Tournament, and the Bulldogs are making their first trip to Rosenblatt Stadium since 1991.

Nonetheless, the Mike Batesole-led Bulldogs outplayed Rice pounding them 17-5 behind a 14 hit attack and solid pitching by lefty Justin Wilson (7 IP, 2 ER).

…more…

We’ve previously previewed each of the NCAA college baseball Regionals and the Super Regionals, and with Bracket One of the College World Series set to begin Saturday, it’s time we preview the teams that will be playing at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha for the chance to be crowned national champions.

Today, we preview Bracket Two, which will begin Sunday, giving you each teams’ projected starting lineup and projected pitching rotation, “Road to Omaha,” and some keys to success:
North Carolina Tar Heels (51-12)

Projected Starting Lineup:
1. Dustin Ackley (1B)
2. Kyle Shelton (LF)
3. Tim Fedroff (RF)
4. Chad Flack (3B)
5. Kyle Seager (2B)
6. Tim Federowicz (C)
7. Garrett Gore (DH)
8. Seth Williams (CF)
9. Ryan Graepel (SS)

Projected Pitching Rotation: