It's Tuesday again, and with the college baseball postseason right around the corner, these midweek matchups carry extra weight.
The two games I'm targeting tonight are Old Dominion hosting VCU and San Diego State welcoming Cal State Fullerton.
With the mid-major action set, let's dive into my two NCAA baseball picks and college baseball predictions for Tuesday, April 28.
NCAA Baseball Picks, Predictions
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that Action Network's Doug Ziefel is targeting from Tuesday's slate of NCAA baseball 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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 6 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
VCU vs Old Dominion Pick
VCU sits at 23-20, while Old Dominion comes in at 21-22. The Rams head to Norfolk as slight favorites in this nonconference matchup, but I’m riding with the Monarchs at home.
Dig into the recent form, and VCU has gone 4-6 over its last 10, scraping by with just 5.0 runs per game. Meanwhile, Old Dominion is rolling at 6-4 and pumping out 7.4 runs per game. That offense is clicking on all cylinders right now.
RPI shows VCU at No. 125 and ODU at No. 138, so this is a Quad 3 spot for the visitors on paper. But the gap feels closer once you get into the numbers.
VCU does hold the pitching edge with a staff SIERA of 4.29, which ranks 134th nationally.
But here’s what sells me on Old Dominion: the bats. The Monarchs have posted a 99 wRC+ (138th in D-I) compared to VCU’s mark of 98. They’ve been the more dangerous offense all season.
Maverick Stallings has been raking with a .417 wOBA and 113 wRC+, while Tyler Zedalis brings legitimate power with nine home runs. VCU’s offense is solid, but it doesn't quite match ODU’s current momentum.
This sets up as a classic pitching vs. offense battle. VCU wants its starters to limit early damage and turn it over to the bullpen. Old Dominion wants to jump those arms, chase them early, and let the bats pile on against the bullpen.
With the lineup clicking and putting up crooked numbers lately, I like the Monarchs to handle business at home.
Pick: Old Dominion ML +120
|
Cal State Fullerton vs San Diego State Pick
Cal State Fullerton travels down to Tony Gwynn Stadium, but I’m all over the Aztecs in this midweek spot.
San Diego State has quietly been one of the hottest teams in the country, going 7-3 in its last 10 and averaging 6.7 runs per game during that stretch. Cal State Fullerton is just 5-5 over the same period with 5.3 runs per game.
It's clear that the Aztecs are the better offensive team, boasting a 97 wRC+ compared to Fullerton’s 89.
Tyce Peterson has been a problem for opposing pitchers all year with a .449 wOBA, 122 wRC+ and 12 homers. This lineup has serious pop and is clicking at the right time.
On the mound, Fullerton’s pitching staff looks stronger with a 3.69 SIERA that ranks 43rd nationally. However, San Diego State is right there with it at a collective 3.71 SIERA.
Tonight, the Aztecs turn to sophomore lefty Alito McBean against Fullerton’s Nick Santivanez. The two starters have combined to pitch 22 innings this season, so both clubs are going to hope for minimal damage done early on.
This is a game where runs will come at a premium, but with SDSU swinging it well and keeping its momentum at home right now, I like the Aztecs to come through.
Pick: San Diego State ML +110
