Welcome to my Quick Picks column, where I hand out winners, winners, and more winners every day. I fire off picks on everything from college hoops to the NHL.
While the Volunteers were only able to hurt Purdue with Dalton Knecht and Jordan Gainey the first time, the Boilers got contributions from the entire lineup. If both teams play a cleaner game than what happened in November, Purdue would have the edge.
The Pirates’ pitching staff has absolutely shut down the Marlins thus far in the season. The Marlins have managed just 10 runs and the team is batting a measly .206 with a .286 OBP. This is the worst offense in the major leagues through the first weekend. It’s hard to know if it’s the dominance of the Pirates’ pitching or the anemia of the Marlins lineup. Either way, something isn’t right in South Beach.
The last time N.C. State reached this level, the Wolfpack found themselves on the wrong end of a heartbreaker. This time, the Wolfpack face the anaconda that is the Texas defense.
South Carolina is still here, and the Gamecocks are still around to try to get back to the Final Four. And they’ll get to try to do it against Oregon State, which survived its own battle against a school from Indiana. The Beavers managed to survive 26 turnovers against Notre Dame, escaping with a win.
Same time, next year, as Iowa and Colorado meet in the Sweet 16. This time, however, the nation’s eyes are focused on this game because of Caitlin Clark, and the Buffaloes are wearing the black hats.
Both teams are in the Elite Eight for just the second time in school history, as Clemson last got here in 1980 and Alabama made it in 2004. Both fell at this hurdle, which means the winner will make their first Final Four trip ever.
There’s no reason Fried shouldn’t have an incredible year once again. He posted a 2.55 ERA last year and ranks in the 80th to 90th percentile in almost every category that matters. Last year, Fried faced the Phillies twice. He went 1-1 with a 1,80 ERA, allowing one run and striking out six. The Phillies lineup hasn’t changed much since last year.
Welcome to my Quick Picks column, where I hand out winners, winners, and more winners every day. I fire off picks on everything from college hoops to the NHL.