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2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament Preview: Road to Omaha

By Neil Harrington

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: The University of Florida players run onto the field in celebration after defeating Louisiana State University 6-1 in game two of the Division I Men's Baseball Championship held at TD Ameritrade Park on June 27, 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: The University of Florida players run onto the field in celebration after defeating Louisiana State University 6-1 in game two of the Division I Men's Baseball Championship held at TD Ameritrade Park on June 27, 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /
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NCAA Baseball
DURHAM, NC – MAY 23: North Carolina infielder Ashton McGee (5) warming up during the ACC Baseball Championship game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Pittsburgh Panthers and the on May 23, 2018, at Durham Bulls Stadium in Durham, North Carolina (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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

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