The No. 16 West Virginia Mountaineers and No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels (51-12) are facing off in the College World Series on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. The Mountaineers (45-15) defeated Troy in their opening game for their first-ever College World Series win in school history. Here is our gameday preview, prediction, and odds to get you ready for first pitch.
West Virginia vs North Carolina Game Odds
The Tar Heels are a 1.5-run favorite with an over/under of 10.5 runs. West Virginia scored seven runs in their opening game against Troy while North Carolina put up six against Ole Miss on Friday.
Players to Watch
Gavin Kelly, West Virginia (UTL): Kelly is all over the field for the Mountaineers because he can play multiple positions, whether it’s catcher, second base, or even in the outfield. Few guys can do that. Plus, he is the best bat for West Virginia as he leads the team in home runs (17) and batting average (.377). He went hitless against Troy in the opener, and the Mountaineers will need his bat against the Tar Heels.
Owen Hull, North Carolina (OF): While Owen may not have a ton of power, the one thing he does better than anyone on his team is get on base. Whether it’s with a walk or getting a hit with his .388 batting average, nobody in a North Carolina uniform is better. That’s why he earned first-team ACC honors this season.
Key Storyline: The Pitching Battle
If you like a great pitching matchup, then you are in for an absolute treat on Sunday evening. West Virginia is going to start Big 12 pitcher of the year Maxx Yehl (9-2, 2.10 ERA) while North Carolina will likely go with All-ACC pitcher Ryan Lynch (5-4, 4.22 ERA).
In Yehl’s last two starts, he has given up just two runs on seven hits in ten innings. Meanwhile, Lynch has given up four runs in his last two starts in 13 innings pitched. Both pitchers are outstanding, and I expect quite the battle on the mound.
Prediction: West Virginia 5, North Carolina 4
I don’t see the over being hit in this game with two great pitchers on the mound for both teams. However, West Virginia loves to steal a ton of bases. In fact, they have nearly twice as many stolen bases as North Carolina.
That aggressiveness on the base paths could prove to be the difference, whether it’s good or bad for the Mountaineers. While I do believe that North Carolina’s lineup from top to bottom is better, West Virginia’s momentum is hard to ignore. Plus, I believe starting pitcher Maxx Yehl will be the difference, and the Mountaineers will do just enough offensively to get the job done.
