2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament Preview: Road to Omaha

The Road to Omaha begins, and we have you covered with everything you need to know for the 2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament.

The 2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament and Road to Omaha begins with the NCAA Regional portion of the tournament — which kicks off June 1!

Over the years, the NCAA Baseball Tournament is one full of excitement. History. Pageantry.

The SEC regular-season champion Flordia Gators look to defend their illustrious title, after winning their first NCAA Baseball Tournament/College World Series title in program history. The odds of a squad from the mighty SEC have the best odds, with 10 teams making the NCAA Baseball Tournament — with the ACC a distant second with six teams invited.

NCAA Baseball Tournament Schedule

Regionals: June 1-4

Super Regionals: June 8-11

College World Series: June 16-26/27

2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament teams by Conference

• SEC (10): Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt
• ACC (6): Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Louisville, NC State, North Carolina
• Big 12 (5): Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech
• AAC (4): East Carolina, Houston, South Florida, UConn
• Big Ten (4): Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue
• Pac-12 (4): Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington
• Atlantic Sun (2): Jacksonville, Stetson
• Conference USA (2): Florida Atlantic, Southern Mississipi
• Colonial (2): Northeastern, UNC-Wilmington
• Missouri Valley (2): Dallas Baptist, Missouri State
• OVC (2) Morehead State., Tennessee Tech
• Sun Belt (2) Coastal Carolina, Troy
• America East (1): Hartford
• A-10 (1): Saint Louis
• Big East (1) St. John’s
• Big South (1): Campbell
• Big West (1): Cal StateFullerton
• Horizon (1): Wright State
• Ivy (1): Columbia
• MAAC (1): Canisius
• MAC (1) Kent State
• Mid-Eastern (1) North Carolina A&T
• Mountain West (1): San Diego State
• Northeast (1): LIU Brooklyn
• Patriot (1): Army
• Southern (1): Samford
• Southland (1): Northwestern State
• Southwestern (1): Texas Southern
• Summit (1): Oral Roberts
• West Coast :(1) Gonzaga
• Western Athletic (1): New Mexico State

Of the one-bid leagues, there are four schools which stand above the rest. Oral Roberts, Saint Louis U, St. John’s, and San Diego State are four-seeds with enough fire-power to make noise and even advance to their respective Super Regionals.

Here’s how each round works for the NCAA Baseball tournament.

Since 1999, NCAA Baseball has used this format. 2018 is the first season that the NCAA has ranked all 16 one-seeds in order (used to be the top-eight).

NCAA Baseball Regional Round (64 teams)

• 64 teams –16 Regional sites
• Seeded 1-4 (16 one seeds, 16 two seeds, etc.)
• Regional Round: Double elimination
• Hosted by the one seed.

NCAA Super Regional Round (16 teams)

• Winners of the Regionals are paired up in a best of three series. The highest seed of the two host. If two one-seeds advance, the team with the National seed designations hosts.

College World Series (Eight Teams) Location: Omaha, Nebraska — TD Ameritrade Park.  (neutral site)

From 1950-2010, College World Series games were played at the historic Rosenblatt Stadium.

• The eight winners of each Super Regional are paired up based upon the initial bracket
• There are two different sides of the bracket.
• It’s similar to the format of the Regionals with four teams in each side of the bracket.
• Double elimination.
• The winner of each bracket advances to the finals.
• The final is a best two out of three series.

2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament National Seeds

1. Florida
2. Stanford
3. Oregon State
4. Ole Miss
5. Arkansas
6. North Carolina
7. Florida State
8. Georgia
9. Texas Tech
10. Clemson
11. Stetson
12. East Carolina
13. Texas
14. Minnesota
15. Coastal Carolina
16. NC State

Last four teams in:

1. Dallas Baptist
2. Northeastern
3. Oklahoma State
4. Troy

First four teams out:

1. Arizona
2. Illinois
3. Kentucky
4. Central Florida

Altogether, I feel the NCAA Baseball Tournament committee did a solid job with this year’s field of 64. They rewarded teams with 40 wins, ones who finished high in their conference; while dinging teams with losing records in their respective conferences.

Of this year’s snubs, I feel Kentucky is slighted the most. Even though their conference record was lacking, their quality wins should have boosted them as one of the final teams in the tournament.

I am ecstatic with love for the Mid Major schools, especially with at-large bids, with three of the final four teams hailing from non-Power five conferences.

They overseeded Vanderbilt (2), Indiana (2); and under-seeded Missouri State (3), while Stetson deserved a Top-8 National Seed over North Carolina.

Other NCAA Baseball tournament notables

• Rice misses the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the first time in 23 seasons, while 2016 national champion Virginia missed their first tourney in 14 years.
• TCU, who appeared in four straight College World Series, barely missed the field of 64 — falling in extra innings to hated rival Baylor in the Big 12 title game
• The USC Trojans hold the most NCAA Baseball Tournament/College World Series titles ever (12) but have only made the NCAA’s twice since 2005 (2005, 2015).
• Florida seeks to become the first team to win back to back NCAA Baseball tournament titles since Oregon State in 2006-2007 and South Carolina in 2010-2011. 
• Texas Longhorns are in the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the 59th time, an NCAA record — with the most College World Series wins (85) and tied with LSU for second with six NCAA Baseball tournament titles.
• The Florida State Seminoles have the most College World Series appearances without winning an NCAA Baseball tournament title (22).
•  The Missouri State Bears are the only national seed to not host a Super Regional (2015) due to sharing a facility with the minor league Springfield Cardinals, with the two-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks hosting in Fayetteville instead — giving them a tremendous unearned home field advantage. The Arkansas Razorbacks won the deciding game of the series by one run.

NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional Matchups

Gainesville Regional

1. Florida (1)
2. Jacksonville
3. Florida Atlantic
4. Columbia

Raleigh Regional

1. NC State (16)
2. Auburn
3. Northeastern
4. Army

Lubbock Regional

1. Texas Tech (9)
2. Louisville
3. Kent State
4. New Mexico State

Athens Regional

1. Georgia (8)
2. Duke
3. Troy
4. Campbell

Fayetteville Regional

1. Arkansas (5)
2. Southern Mississippi
3. Dallas Baptist
4. Oral Roberts

Greenville Regional

1. East Carolina (12)
2. South Carolina
3. Ohio State
4. UNC Wilmington

Austin Regional

1. Texas (13)
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M
4. Texas Southern

Oxford Regional

1. Ole Miss (4) 
2. Tennessee Tech
3. Missouri State
4. Saint Louis

Stanford Regional

1. Stanford (2) 
2. Baylor
3. Cal State Fullerton
4. Wright State

Conway Regional

1. Coastal Carolina (15)
2. Connecticut
3. Washington
4. LIU Brooklyn

Clemson Regional

1. Clemson (10)
2. Vanderbilt
3. St. John’s
4. Morehead State

Tallahassee Regional

1. Florida State (7)
2. Mississippi State
3. Oklahoma
4. Samford

Chapel Hill Regional

1. North Carolina (6) 
2. Purdue
3. Houston
4. North Carolina A&T

DeLand Regional

1. Stetson (11)
2. South Florida
3. Oklahoma State
4. Hartford

Minneapolis Regional

1. Minnesota (14)
2. UCLA
3. Gonzaga
4. Canisius

Corvallis Regional

1. Oregon State (3)
2. LSU
3. San Diego State
4. Northwestern State

Next, we break-down the NCAA Baseball tournament, Region by Region. Keep in mind, all records are display games against Division 1 opponents and don’t include lower division results.

Gainesville Regional

1. Florida  (42-17) RPI: 1 — SEC regular season champs (2017 NCAA Baseball Champions) 
2. Jacksonville (39-19) RPI: 21 — At-large bid Atlantic Sun (Last bid 2011)
3. Florida Atlantic (40-17) RPI: 33 — At-large bid C-USA (Last bid 2016)
4. Columbia (20-28) RPI: 185 — Tournament champs from the Ivy League (Last bid 2016)

The Florida Gators are the overall number one seed in the 2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament and rightfully so — winning the SEC East and overall regular-season title. Keep an eye on the SEC pitcher of the year Brady Singer (projected top-5 pick), who guided the Gators to the 2017 College World Series crown.

He should be well rested, after missing the past few weeks with a tweaked hamstring, and you can’t buy experience like his. Florida won 17 straight SEC series until Mississippi swept them to conclude the regular season.

The Gators followed that up by winning a single game in the SEC tournament. Count on the team that dominated most of the regular season to return to correct form once Friday arrives.

Out of the Atlantic Sun, the Jacksonville Dolphins are no slouch; boasting non-conference wins against the West Virginia, South Florida, and the top-seeded Florida Gators. Jacksonville State will not be scared and could be a tough out — lead by their stout weekend rotation of

1.  Chris Gau (8-3, 2.65 ERA)
2.  Tyler Santana (10-1, 3.29 ERA)
3.  Spencer Stockton (8-5, 3.57 ERA)

Their closer Chris Mauloni ranks among the nation’s best with 20 saves. But, they are not all about pitching, with a team batting average of .291, but lack the power and speed to rely solely on their offense.

Meanwhile, the Florida Atlantic Owls should be grateful to be invited — somehow stealing a bid from the second-place team in the Conference-USA Louisianna Tech.

None of that matters now, but do the Owls have what it takes to win a game or more in this regional? The only chance they have is to hit the long ball, where they rank in the top 15 nationally in home runs hit, with 72 collectively.

Their shortstop, Tyler Frank (.315/.459/.586) with 13 home runs is a sleeper player to watch in the tournament.

Last, and certainly least are the Columbia Lions of the Ivy League, who outlasted Yale in the conference championship series. They do have a few potent bats in the lineup with Liam McGill (.319/.400/.503), Joe Engel (.316/.391/.380), and Chandler Bengtson’s 10 home runs.

But, their team ERA of nearly 6.00 will spell doom in regional stacked with solid offensive squads.

CTTP’s prediction: Florida

Raleigh Regional

1. NC State (40-16) RPI: 19 –At-large bid ACC (Last bid 2017)
2. Auburn(39-21) RPI: 14 — At-large bid SEC (Last bid 2017)
3. Northeastern (36-19) RPI: 35 — Regular Season CAA champs (Last bid 2003)
4. Army (36-22) RPI: 83 — Tournament & Reg season champs Patriot League (Last bid 2013)

It’s a good thing for the NC State Wolfpack they are hosting because their offensive splits between home and away are as drastic as Jekyll and Hyde.

Home: .310 Batting average. 7.4 runs scored per game

Away from home: .237 Batting average. 5.1 runs scored per game.

The two seeded Auburn Tigers are lead by star pitcher Casey Mize, who is likely the No.1 pick in Monday’s MLB draft.

He’s been stellar at Auburn throughout his career, with 2018 no different (9-5/3.07 ERA). But, his strikeout to walk ratio is out of this world (140 K/10 BB), picking up right where he left off last year (109 K/ 9 BB).

Not too shabby for an undrafted high school player, huh?

The Northeastern Huskies were one of the final teams in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, and they are more than worthy of joining the field of 64. Shortstop Max Burt is a player to watch for the Huskies, who is the only player in program history to play in over 200 games and collect 200-plus-hits.

Army West Point joins the NCAA party for the first time in five seasons, who walked off in extra innings earning their way into the Big Dance — with an 87 thriller over Columbia.

Army boasts wins over Stetson and Michigan, so NC State will need to get those bats going to avoid the upset and find a way to cool down West Point’s leadoff hitter Jacob Hurtubise.

CTTP Predicted winner: Auburn

Lubbock Regional

1. Texas Tech (39-17) RPI: 10 –At-large bid Big 12 (Last bid 2017 )
2. Louisville (43-17) RPI: 24 — At-large bid ACC (2017 College World Series)
3. Kent State (36-19) RPI: 61 — Tournament & Reg. Season MAC champs (Last bid 2014)
4. New Mexico State (40-20) RPI: 87 –Auto bid WAC (Last bid 2012)

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are hosting in Lubbock for the third straight season and seek to make their third College World Series appearance in the last five seasons. Unlike season’s past, their pitching is less consistent in 2018; and will have to find some stabilization in that area to escape the Regional.

Offensively, the Red Raiders are elite, boasting a top-10 NCAA Baseball squad — hitting .309 as a team.

• Josh Jung (.381 BA/ .484 OBP)
• Grant Little (.378 BA, 12 home runs)
• Gabe Holt (.339 BA, 27 stolen bases)
• Cameron Warren (.337 BA, 10 home runs)
• Brian Klein (.317 BA)

The Lousiville Cardinals were nearly dead in the water about a month ago, with an RPI in the 60’s. After a late surge, they’ve earned a two-seed, thanks to a lineup with tremendous speed. The Cardinals have swiped 116 bags this season and can shift the momentum of a game within nano-seconds.

Their top two starters in the rotation are the best in the Lubbock Regional, featuring:

• Nick Bennett (8-1, 2.20)
• Adam Wolf (7-2, 2.26)

And a stout bullpen.

• Austin Conway (3-1, 1.97 ERA with two saves),
• Bryan Hoeing (7-2, 2.88 ERA)
• Shay Smiddy (5-1, 2.91 ERA, and three saves).

But, if the Cardinals get knocked into the loser’s bracket, they don’t have the depth to compete with the other three teams, with their dependability dropping off drastically.

The Kent State Golden Flashes are a team not afraid of the big boys, boasting a win at (3) Arkansas and at Notre Dame of the ACC. They hit .291 as a team, but it’s their pitching which has gotten them this far — looking to return to Omaha for the first time since 2012.

• Joey Murray (9-1, 1.71 ERA)
• Jared Skolnicki (5-1, 3.32 ERA)
• Eli Kraus (9-3, 4.06 ERA)

The New Mexico State Aggies are loaded with potent bats; with one of the toughest lineups in all of NCAA Baseball averaging 8.2 runs per game and in the top ten in most offensive categories — leading the nation with 117 hit-by-pitches.

The majority of their lineup has batting averages over .300-plus, with seven of their nine bats hitting over that prestigious mark.

Their pitching is surprisingly solid too, with a team ERA of 3.95, led by:

• Jonathan Groff (11-2, 2.49 ERA)
• Kyle Bradish (9-3, 2.79 ERA)

CTTP Predicted winner: Louisville

Athens Regional

1. Georgia (37-19) RPI: 9 –At-large bid SEC (Last bid 2011)
2. Duke (40-15) RPI: 20 — At-large bid ACC (Last bid 2016)
3. Troy (41-19) RPI: 39 — At-large bid Sun Belt (Last bid 2013)
4. Campbell(35-24) RPI: 105 –Tournament & Reg. Season Big South champs(Last bid 2014)

The Georgia Bulldogs return to the NCAA Baseball Tournament for the first time since 2011. It’s been precisely 10 years since the Bulldogs finished as National runner-ups to Fresno State, and have a real shot to return to Omaha in 2018.

Keegan McGovern is a hoss, leading the Bulldogs with .325 BA, 15 home runs, 14 doubles, .630 SLG percentage, and committing zero errors in the outfield.

Georgia shines on defense, with a team fielding percentage of .979. No.1 starter Kevin Smith (8-1, 3.17 ERA) leads a Bulldogs pitching staff that glows with an ERA of 3.79.

The Duke Blue Devils are more than just a basketball school, with a resurgence in baseball the past few seasons — making the big dance in 2016 and just missing it last season.  Before their recent success, the Blue Devils hadn’t qualified for the NCAA Baseball Tournament since the 1960’s.

Duke’s starters are not much to speak of, with a collective ERA of over 5.00. But, their bullpen carries the load, with two relievers with ERA’s below 1.00 ( Ethan DeCaster, Jack Labosky).

On the offensive end, Duke relies on timely hitting (only 49 home runs as a team and a decent .271 BA).

The Troy Trojans are often outshined by both Alabama and Auburn in the Heart of Dixie, but are getting some love during the 2018 campaign. Two wins against Tennesee Tech and a road win at Coastal Carolina pushed the Trojans into the big dance, and they have a solid enough team to make some noise in Athens.

It all begins with the offense-end for Troy, where Joey Denison (.387 BA) and Matt Sanders (.379 BA) lead a team that is hitting just a hair below .300. However, their pitching is fantastic too, with a reliable starting staff led by Andrew Crane (7-4, 2.82)and an even better bullpen — with six regular pitchers logging ERA’s at 3.00 or lower.

The Campbell Fighting Camels (fantastic name, right?) are a four-seed with much swagger — logging wins at Ohio State and NC State this season. They won’t be afraid of the moment and the Bulldogs better not take them lightly.

Big South pitcher of the year Allan Winans leads their staff (6-4, league-leading 2.51 ERA ) and the Camels had four players make the Big South first-team.

CTTP Predicted winner: Georgia 

Fayetteville Regional

1. Arkansas (39-18) RPI: 3 –SEC East Co-champs (Last bid 2017)
2. Southern Miss (43-16) RPI: 40 — Tournament & Reg Season champs C-USA (Last bid 2017)
3. Dallas Baptist (40-19) RPI: 36 — At-large bid Missouri Valley Conference (Last bid 2017)
4. Oral Roberts (38-18) RPI: 131 –Tournament & Reg. Season Summit champs(Last bid 2017)

The Arkansas Razorbacks play a familiar foe to kick off the 2018 Fayetteville Regional ( no it’s not the Missouri State Bears, for once), in Oral Roberts.

The Razorbacks are flat-out loaded all across the board, so where to begin. The biggest surprise for them is the outstanding play of two freshmen, Casey Martin and Heston Kjerstad.

It was a bit of a surprise that Blaine Knight returned to school for one last season, but the Razorbacks aren’t complainers. The projected (high) first-round pick has flat-out filthy stuff.

Crafty southpaw Matt Cronin is finally returning to the fold, and Jake Reindl lights out in the backend, the Razorbacks are heavy favorites to advance to Omaha in 2018.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have the quality of a No.1 seed, but an RPI of 40 made that impossible to achieve. They have the offense to hang with both the Razorbacks and Patriots, ranking in the top 15 in most offensive categories — led by former Mississippi State Bulldog Luke Reynolds ( .400 BA, 20 doubles, 15 home runs, 60 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.28).

Their No.1 starter Nick Sandlin is as good as any right-hander (1.13 ERA, 134/15 K to BB ratio) out there, but will be tested by the explosive offense of Dallas Baptist.

Speaking of the Dallas Baptist Patriots, they are no ordinary No.3 seed with wins over Missouri State (MVC champs), Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and two victories over Texas Tech. Jameson Hannah is projected to be a 1st-2nd round 2018 MLB draft selectee, and with veteran teammates backing him up, they’re a team that could slug their way to a Fayetteville regional title.

DBU is one of only a handful of teams to reach the NCAA Baseball Tournament the past five seasons.

The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles RPI ranking (131) is deceiving also. They play in the ranked conference in NCAA Baseball, and the RPI’s of their fellow league members will make your eyes hurt.

They have wins over Dallas Baptist, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wichita State, and were stunned by a late-inning rally on the road at Missouri State.

ORU’s strength is their bullpen,

• Brady Womacks (1.97 ERA)
• Kyler Stout (2.13 ERA)
• Colton Larkins (3.78 ERA)

I don’t believe they have enough firepower to compete with the Arkansas Razorbacks as they did last year in Fayetteville but should give Arkansas a tough first game.

CTTP Predicted winner: Arkansas Razorbacks. 

Greenville Regional

1. East Carolina (43-16) RPI: 12 –AAC Auto-bid (Last bid 2016)
2. South Carolina (43-16) RPI: 43 — At-large bid SEC (Last bid 2016)
3. Ohio State (36-22) RPI: 37 — At-large bid Big 10 (Last bid 2016)
4. UNC Wilmington (38-18) RPI: 65 –Auto-bid CAA (Last bid 2016)

Ironically, each of the teams in the Greenville Regional last made the NCAA Baseball tournament in 2016.

The East Carolina Pirates are back to NCAA Baseball Tournament, after a one-year absence. To say 2017 was a disappointment is the understatement of the year, with the Pirates finishing dead last in the AAC.

However, they bounced back in a mighty way in 2018 and are looking to return to the Super Regionals (and beyond) this time around.

Eastern Carolina is probably the most balanced team across the board in NCAA Baseball, ranking in the top 50 in batting average, home runs hit, team ERA, and fielding percentage.  They also boast the AAC Player of the Year in slugger Bryant Packard ( slash line of .403/.460/.680 and 14 home runs).

If ECU enters the late innings with the lead, other Regionals foes will have to face the fearsome Davis Kirkpatrick (0.76 ERA).

The two-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks turned things around mightily, after being nowhere near the NCAA Baseball Tournament bubble just weeks ago. They received a tremendous wakeup call after losing to the lowly Presbyterian (RPI)

Since that misstep, the Gamecocks have not looked back and shot up the rankings all the way to a two-seed (which is a little high), but they are NCAA Baseball tournament worthy.

The reason for their late-season run was the return of two of their best hitters, TJ Hopkins (.342/.424/.609, 10 home runs) and Madison Stoke, from injury. The Gamecocks are lacking in starting pitching, but have enough in their bullpen arsenal to compete in this regional.

“THE” Ohio State Buckeyes are led by senior third baseman Noah McGowan (.359/.449/.581), who emerged out of nowhere in 2018 — much like the entire team has in 2018. One bugaboo for Ohio State is their fielding percentage (.958) which is 267 among NCAA College Baseball teams in Divison 1.

Their pitching overall is subpar (4.58 team ERA), but if they find a way to get a lead late, opposing teams have to face closer Seth Kinker, and his 1.49 ERA/15 saves.

The UNC Willmington Seahawks have two wins over North Carolina and proved it wasn’t a fluke by beating regular season CAA champion Northeastern twice to win the CAA tournament title. This is no ordinary four-seed and has the best chance of any low seed to win a regional — with Greenville the weakest NCAA Baseball regional of the 16 sites.

The Seahawks best players are their closer Clark Cota (1.93 ERA, 13 SV), and two-offensive standouts in catcher Ryan Jeffers (.320/.472/.660, 16 HR home runs) and first baseman Mason Berne (.335/.425/.561, 12 home runs).

The team is full of grinders and players who know how to make the clutch plays — which is all that truly matters in this format.

CTTP Predicted winner: South Carolina Gamecocks 

Oxford Regional

1. Ole Miss 4 (46-15) RPI: 5 –SEC  West co-champ and tournament champ (Last bid 2016)
2. Tennesee Tech (48-9) RPI: 23 — At-large OVC  (Last bid 2017)
3. Missouri State (39-15) RPI: 25 — MVC reg season & tournament champ (Last bid 2017)
4. Saint Louis (38-18) RPI: 94 — A-10 reg season & tournament champ (Last bid 2013)

Oxford is the only NCAA Baseball tournament Regional with three top 25 RPI squads — and Saint Louis U is in double digits — so the NCAA committee did Ole Miss no favors at all. Oxford is the deepest regional of the 16 and whoever makes it out of it alive will have genuinely earned it.

The Ole Miss Rebels readily could have received the top overall seed — they are that good. After experiencing the gauntlet of the SEC as a young team in 2017, missing the NCAA Baseball tournament in the process, they are ready to make a deep run in Omaha in 2018.

Honestly, Ole Miss does everything tremendously well, include hit the tar out of the baseball (14th best offense in NCAA Baseball), led by Ryan Olenek and his .359 BA.

Ole Miss has a true No.1 starter and an ace in Ryan Rolison (9-4, 3.79),  but he’s had spells of inconsistency in 2018, which is a slight cause for concern. Being a draft eligible Sophomore, this is likely is only go around in the NCAA Baseball tournament and expect him to shine under the bright lights in Oxford and beyond.

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are one-seed material, and if it weren’t for two hiccups in their conference tournament, would be hosting a Regional instead.

Their primary strength is hitting (.342 team BA) especially the long ball (chicks dig the longball) with a nation-leading 128 home runs — lead by, well, the whole team. They’ve scored 576 runs in 57 games, which is a lot. Juco transfer Brennon Kaleiwahea is the biggest surprise of them all, leading the team behind the plate while hitting .376 with a “low” total of even long bombs.

The Missouri State Bears are no stranger to the NCAA Baseball postseason, making the NCAA tournament for the third time in four seasons, with two Super Regional appearances (2015, 2017) — looking to return to the College World Series for the first time since 2003.

Head Coach Keith Guttin has quietly put together a legendary career, where he just entered the ranks of the 20th winningest coach in NCAA Baseball Division 1 history.

He’d be the first to tell you that those accolades are a team effort and now in the past, with his focus now on the task at hand. This Bears team of 2018 has the feel of the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals.

Both the 2006 Cardinals and 2018 MSU Bears were supposed to be former shells of themselves, yet, didn’t receive the memo. The 2015 MSU team had enough talent and depth to win the College World Series, and last year’s squad was good enough to reach Omaha — yet both failed to do so for one reason or another.

With the 2018 team overlooked by most on paper, they could be the one that finally break-through to Omaha.

Jeremy Eierman Walk Off

WALK OFF WINNER!!!Jeremy Eierman is a HERO!! 2-run BOMB gives Missouri State Bears Baseball the victory!! #RoadToOmaha

Posted by NCAA Baseball on Friday, June 2, 2017

The Bears do have a few standouts, with Jeremy Eierman doing Jeremy Eierman things, even though his home run total is cut nearly in half this year — without the protection of MLB draftees Jake Burger and Justin Paulsen.

Switch-hitting catcher Drew Millas is their best overall hitter, coming out of nowhere to hit .333  and drive 59 runs, while Ben Whetsone has replaced Justin Paulsen at first base admirably. Starting centerfielder Hunter Steinmetz appears to be back to full health and is a walking Sportscenter top-10 highlight-reel and provides a rare .300 hitter in the Bears lineup.

Dylan Coleman is their ace and man can he pitch. He had a rough stretch that started with shelling by the hot bats of the Oregon State, but his overall stats were outstanding. (10-2, 3.63, BA below .200 and 122 strikeouts in just under 100 innings pitched.

If he’s able to cut down on his walks, he may get enough swing and misses against Tech to shut them down. Don’t sleep on 2017 MVC pitcher of the year Jake Fromson, who’s battled injuries in 2018, but has enough in the tank to help the Bears protect leads late in the game, alongside Freshmen closer Conner Sechler.

Another Missouri team joins the group, with the Saint Louis U Billikens a formidable four-seed. After a 1-7 start to the season, the Billikens have not looked back and are primed to pull off the shocker in Oxford.

SLU’s strength is in their pitching (3.32 ERA ), led by Drew Reveno (10-2, 1.84 ERA). Their most impactful offensive player is  Parker Sniatynski  .313/.416/.570, nine home runs and 20 stolen bases.  Jake Garella also hits .362, which isn’t too shabby, either.

CTTP Predicted winner: Missouri State 

Stanford Regional

1. Stanford  (44-10) RPI: 2 — Pac-12 regular season champs (Last bid 2017)
2. Baylor (36-19) RPI: 32 — Auto-bid Big 12 (Last bid 2017)
3. CS Fullerton (32-23) RPI: 52 — Big West Reg. season champs (2017 College World Series)
4. Wright State (39-15) RPI: 69 — Horizon Tournament & reg season champs  (Last bid 2016)

The Stanford Cardinal are led by their pitching, boasting an NCAA College Baseball second-best ERA. Kris Bubic (8-1, 2.73ERA ) and Tristan Beck (8-4, 2.99 ERA) are projected high-round 2018 MLB draft pics and the duo is primed to lead the Cardinal to the College World Series.

Will Matthiessen is a two-way player for the Cardinal, who is capable of hitting the long ball (seven homers in less than 70 at-bats)

Even though the Baylor Bears are overseeded, they are hot right now and are just a hair below Wright State as the best offensive team in the Stanford Regional.  Richard Cunningham leads the charge with a .344 batting average, and a team that knows how to come through with the clutch hit — ask TCU.

Their arms are stellar and have two bullpen guys with ERA’s under 2.00 in  Drew Robertson and Joe Heineman — and an overall team ERA of 3.19, good for 11th best in NCAA Baseball.

The CS Fullerton Titans are full of stud pitchers, led by Colton Eastman (2.28 ERA) and Tommy Wilson (6-0, 2.93 ERA.

After a slow start, Hank LoForte is now hitting almost .350 and ready to make a run to Omaha.  Because of their slow start, the Titans are stuck as a three-seed, but a dangerous one.

The Wright State Raiders are the best offensive squad in Palo Alto, with the dynamic duo of Peyton Burdick and the Horizon Player of the Year in Gabe Snyder (.362, 15 home runs and over 70 RBIs).

CTTP Predicted winner: Stanford

Conway Regional

1. C. Carolina  (42-17) RPI: 17 — Sun Belt reg season champs (2016 NCAA Baseball champs)
2. UConn (35-20-1) RPI: 16 — At-large AAC (Last bid 2016)
3. Washington (30-23) RPI: 63 — At-large Pac-12 (Last bid 2016)
4. LIU Brooklyn (31-24) RPI: 214 — Auto-bid Northeast  (Last bid 1972)

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have two players with 19 home runs in Seth Lancaster and Parker Chavers. CCU hits .290 as a team and is balanced as any NCAA Baseball team in the field of 64.

The Chanticleers have a sold team pitching staff (3.93) and a duo of lockdown closers along with it in Matt Eardensohn (7-0, 1.66 ERA, six saves)  and Jay Causey (2-1, 2.14 ERA, five saves)

The UConn Huskies nearly earned a one-seed of their own but stumbled in the AAC tournament. Their left-handed ace starter Mason Feole is a flat-out stud (9-1, 2.50 ERA and 114 K’s).

They already beat Coastal Carolina in Conway this March and are primed to do so again, if given the opportunity.

Another Huskies squad, one from the West coast joins the coastal Regional. Washington is the team with the highest  RPI  (63) to receive an at-large bid but truly earned it beating the top three teams in the Pac-12 a combined five times, sweeping Arizona, a win against one-seed East Carolina, and defeating Big 12 champs, Minnesota.

LIU Brooklyn is the biggest surprise of the field of 64, but expect this Cinderella story to end quickly. NEC first-teamers Andrew Turner and Alex Briggs will be fun to watch, guiding the team to a school record 31 wins — which will likely stay at the number.

CTTP Predicted winner: UConn

Clemson Regional

1. Clemson (45-14) RPI: 10 –ACC Coastal Division champs (Last bid 2017)
2. Vanderbilt (31-25) RPI: 38 — At-large bid SEC (Last bid 2017)
3. St. John’s (39-15) RPI: 27 — Tournament & Reg. Season Big East champs (Last bid 2017)
4. Morehead St. (37-24) RPI: 96 –Auto bid OVC (Last bid 2015)

The Clemson Tigers are a monster of a team and are my sleeper pick to win the entire NCAA Baseball Tournament. More than just Seth Beer and his 20 home runs, the dynamic duo of Chris Williams (17 homers) and Logan Davidson (15 homers) make a trio that no NCAA Baseball pitcher wants to face.

However; Clemson often is feast or famine, relying a little too much on the long ball, with only Seth Beer and their catcher Kyle Wilkie hitting .300 or better.

Brooks Crawford leads a three-headed monster starting rotation, that is sure to guide them to the Super Regionals with relative ease.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are a team that got too much love from the NCAA Baseball committee and should have been one of the last four teams in or out, but an RPI in the 30’s and a winning record in SEC play are going to catch the eye of those selecting the field of 64.

St John’s looks to make some noise in 2018, after going quietly into the night during the Regional round in 2017. With much experience, led by No.1 Sean Mooney (11-2, 2.52), the Johnnies have the best chance of knocking off the Tigers.

The Morehead State pitching staff is atrocious, with an ERA just a hair below 6.00. Reid Leonard needs to get hot (.347/.470/.471) and spark the offense —  with their only chance of competing is turning their games into slugfests.

CTTP Predicted winner: Clemson 

Tallahassee Regional

1. Florida State (43-17) RPI: 6 — ACC Auto-bid (2017 College World Series)
2. Mississippi State (31-25) RPI: 28 — At-large bid SEC (Last bid 2017)
3. Oklahoma (36-23) RPI: 42 — At-large bid Big 12 (Last bid 2017)
4. Samford (36-24) RPI: 95 — Auto bid Southern (Last bid 2012)

The Florida State Seminoles want to avoid the loser’s bracket like they did last NCAA Baseball tournament. 2018’s club is not the vintage powerhouse offensive squad, but they have enough threats in the lineup to beat anyone in the country — led by Cal Raleigh (.330/.455/.593).

FSU’s strength is in their arms, with an experienced staff fronted by  Drew Parrish (5-0, 2.47 ERA).

Even with a lacking 31-25 record, Mississippi earned a two-seed and 28 RPI by going 9-1 against NCAA Baseball tournament National Seeds.

Jake Mangum (.353/.432/.475) leads the charge, as their best MLB prospect. On paper, their starting pitching is lacking, but their strength lies within a deep bullpen — Blake Smith (4-0, 2.18 and three saves) and Zach Neff (2.90 and two saves).

The Oklahoma Sooners have fallen off the map a bit, dropping to a three-seed, but don’t count them out so “soon.” Their strength lies in their pitching, primarily Jake Irvin (6-2, 2.85 ERA, 109 strikeouts).

The Sooners don’t boast much firepower, but  Steele Walker (.352/.441/.606) is as talented on the offensive end as any in the Tallahassee Regional.

Samford is overmatched in the Regional, but Brooks Carlson (.350 eight home runs ) and Anthony Mulrine are serious threats, and they do obtain a true ace in Samuel Strickland (8-2, 1.89 ERA).

CTTP Predicted winner: Florida State 

Chapel Hill Regional

1. North Carolina (38-18) RPI: 6 — ACC Coastal Division Champs (Last bid 2017)
2. Purdue (37-19) RPI: 31 — At-large Big 10 (Last bid 2012)
3. Houston (36-23) RPI: 45 — AAC Regular Season Champs (Last bid 2017)
4. North Carolina A&T (32-23) RPI: 213 — MEAC Southern Champs (Last bid 2005)

The North Carolina Tarheels one-two punch of Kyle Datres and Michael Busch anchor a steady lineup. Cooper Criswell (4-2, 3.19) is by far their best starter and the only bit of consistency in their starting rotation.

The Heels have experience, and that’s what will lead them to a Regional title. Freshmen  Jacson McGowan is their most consistent offensive player (.301 and 12 home runs).

Purdue isn’t known for baseball, but they are in 2018. It’s all about their bullpen, led by Big 10 saves leader Learnard (2-1, 2.45, ERA, 15 saves).

Houston‘s RPI may be a tad bit low, but they dominated all of the top teams in the AAC.  Aaron Fletcher and Trey Cumbie headline a reliable pitching staff — while Jared Triolo leads the way on offense (.343 BA).

North Carolina A&T is known for their pitching (3.95 ERA) with their relief core the best of the bunch. Josh Bottenfield (6-3, 1.88 ERA, three saves) and Josh Stikeleather (1.8 ERA, five saves)

CTTP Predicted winner: North Carolina

DeLand Regional

1. Stetson (45-11) RPI: 4 — Atlantic Sun Regular Season Champs (Last bid 2017)
2. South Florida (45-11) RPI: 18 — At-large AAC  (Last bid 2017)
3. Oklahoma State (31-25-1)  RPI: 41 — At-large Big 12 (Last bid 2017)
4. Hartford (26-29)  RPI: 150 — American East Reg Season champs (First appearance)

The Stetson Hatters are the heavy favorite in this regional and were a heartbeat away from snagging a top-eight national seed. Austin Hale is one of the best defensive catchers in NCAA Baseball, throwing out close to 40 percent of would-be baserunners. The Hatters are very solid on defense and are even saving their top pitcher for day two –Logan Gilbert (10-1, 2.52 ERA).

South Florida is a dangerous two-seed and one good enough to do some severe damage in DeLand. David Villar is the best offensive talent in the Regional (.379 and 12 home runs). Shane McClanahan is a high MLB draft talent, who can hit 100 MPH on the radar gun.

Their bullpen boasts a trio of relievers with ERA’s under 3.00 ( Andrew Perez with 12 saves, Connor Eason, and Richie Cruz).

Oklahoma State is the wild card of the 2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament, as unpredictable as the ever-changing stock market. If you take away the first third and the last third of the season, the Cowboys are a national seed and Big 12 champs. But, their overall body of work put them on the bubble and one of the last team’s int he NCAA Baseball Tournament.

They have enough talent to make it to the College World Series and enough inconsistency to lose their first two games in DeLand.

Hartford earned their first NCAA Baseball D1 tourney appearance the hard way, starting the season 2-14. Four of those downfalls were close losses to Oregon State. Their top talent is American East Player of the Year, Nick Campana (.389/.472/.626 and 10 home runs).

CTTP Predicted winner: Stetson

Minneapolis Regional

1. Minnesota (40-13)  RPI: 13 — Big 10 Reg Season & Tournament champs (Last bid 2017)
2. UCLA (36-19)  RPI: 26 — At-large Pac-12 (Last bid 2017)
3. Gonzaga (32-22)  RPI: 62 — WCC Reg Season & Tournament champs (Last bid 2016)
4. Canisius (35-20)  RPI: 133 — Auto-bid MAAC (Last bid 2015)

CTTP Predicted winner: UCLA

The Minnesota Gophers are the real deal, winning the Big 10 wire to wire. One reason for their success is Big 10 Freshman and Pitcher of the Year Patrick Fredrickson (7-0, 1.44 ERA). They also have a lineup boasting seven .300 or better hitters.

UCLA is a very dangerous two-seed, who is battle-tested by playing a tough Pac-12 conference. They rely on starter Jake Bird (1.99 ERA to anchor their staff.

Playing away from the friendly confines of Jackie Robinson Stadium does not bode well for the Bruins, are a .500 team away from home.

Gonzaga is more than a basketball school and boasts one of the top pitching staffs in NCAA Baseball (2.71 ERA). Daniel Bies is a menacing six-foot-eight presence and will take the ball in game one.

Canisius only chance of doing anything of worth is if Liam Wilson ( .360/.440/.640. and nine home runs) catches fire.

Corvallis Regional

1. Oregon State (40-10-1)  RPI: 7 — At-large Pac-12 (2017 College World Series)
2. LSU (37-25)  RPI: 34 — At-large SEC (2017 College World Series)
3. San Diego State (39-19)  RPI: 50 — Auto-bid Mountain West (Last bid 2017)
4. Northwestern State (37-22)  RPI: 106 —  Southland  (Last bid 2005)

Oregon State has as much talent on their roster as anyone in NCAA Baseball and is finally back at full strength with top-10 MLB (worthy) pick Nick Madrigal sparking the Beavers late in the season.

Even with off the field issues causing his draft stock to plummet, Luke Heimlich is a talented an arm in all of NCAA baseball — on a staff loaded with quality pitching.

LSU is a former shell of the 2017 College World Series runner-up squad of 2017, and with pitchers, Ma’Khail Hilliard and AJ Labbas sidelined this weekend, are in serious trouble.

San Diego State and Northwestern State are both cute stories but have no chance of contending with Oregon State or LSU, for that matter.

CTTP Predicted winner: Oregon State 

Next: Our latest 2018 MLB Mock Draft

Who else is ready for the Road to Omaha and the 2018 NCAA Baseball tournament? It’s a nice compliment to the upcoming 2018 MLB Draft, wouldn’t you say?

Statistics provided by NCAA.com, D1Baseball.com, WarrenNolan.com, and the respective NCAA Baseball team websites.