We're down to the College World Series semifinals, where Coastal Carolina and LSU have big advantages. Their respective opponents need to defeat them twice over the next two days in order to secure a spot in the championship series.
However, we can't get ahead of ourselves, so we'll take it game-by-game with our best bets for Wednesday's slate.
Let's dive into my College World Series picks and NCAA baseball predictions for the CWS games on Wednesday, June 18.
Note: While parlaying these picks isn't our official recommendation, we've put together an easy way to do so below.
College World Series Picks for Wednesday, June 18
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that Action Network's Doug Ziefel is targeting from today's slate of College World Series games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 2 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAF Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina Pick
The Louisville Cardinals pulled off a massive upset yesterday, eliminating the Oregon State Beavers. However, they've taken the long road to get here and are in dire straits on the mound.
They have only four arms that haven't seen any action yet, and they own a collective ERA of 6.78. If worse comes to worst, I wouldn't rule out ace Patrick Forbes making a relief appearance on four days' rest, but they may be saving him for a potential elimination game tomorrow.
However, that plan is unlikely to come to fruition, as Coastal is primed to win this game handily. Not only will its elite lineup face a gassed Louisville pitching staff, but it has multiple quality options to turn to on the mound.
We should see No. 3 starter Riley Eikhoff come back this afternoon in some capacity after he started the opening matchup and threw only 45 pitches. After Eikhoff, the Chanticleers have seven fresh arms in addition to the relievers that pitched over their first two games.
While Louisville has been a pleasant surprise to this point, its lack of starting pitching will catch up to it today. Take Coastal Carolina to cover the run line as it secures a spot in the College World Series finals.
Pick: Coastal Carolina -1.5 (-120 · Play to -2.5 at +110)
| |
Arkansas vs LSU Pick
This is the rematch we all wanted, as the two SEC titans will square off for the second time in Omaha. The LSU Tigers rode the dominant duo of Kade Anderson and Chase Shores in the first meeting, holding the Razorbacks to just one run.
While we won't see Anderson in this one, the LSU pitching staff is very fresh, boasting seven arms that haven't touched the mound yet.
However, the Razorbacks' staff is reloaded as well after Zach Root ate up innings in a 125-pitch effort against UCLA on Tuesday.
With both teams lacking a true starting option for this matchup, we should see both managers mix and match their way through this one to keep these potent lineups at bay.
After all, the bullpens are a strength of both these clubs, as Arkansas ranks fourth in ERA and LSU isn't far behind in 13th.
Take the under here. We're in for another hard-fought matchup between two of the best teams in the country.
Pick: Under 10.5 (-110)
