pop-we Highlights 2017 Men's College World Series Lineup

The 2017 College World Series (CWS) will be played in Omaha, Neb. at Ameritrade Park from June 17 through June 27 or 28, if necessary. There will be no repeat this year as defending champion Coastal Carolina did not get selected to a regional. Five of the national seeds made it to Omaha including top seed Oregon State. All the teams have made it to Omaha before with three capturing previous championships.

Road To Omaha greeting at home plate

The first game Saturday, June 17,  has 39-22 Cal State Fullerton against 54-4 top seed Oregon State. Cal State Fullerton dropped their first super regional game to host Long Beach State before recovering to win 12-0 and 2-1. Oregon State had no problem sweeping 2014 Champion Vanderbilt 8-4 and 9-2.

The Cal State Fullerton Titans are led by Head Coach Rick Vanderhook. They had a 15-9 conference record in the Big West and their campus is in Fullerton, Calif. Their top eight hitters are Scott Hurst (.332), Sahid Valenzuela (.324), Timmy Richards (.301), Dillon Persinger (.296), Hunter Cullen (.271), Taylor Bryant (.266), Hank LoForte (.253) and Chris Hudgins (.227) with Hurst leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Cullen with six. The team batting average is .270 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Connor Seabold (11-5, 3.01), John Gavin (8-2, 2.67) and Gavin Velsaquez (4-3, 4.50) with Brett Conine being their main closer with 15 saves. Their team ERA is 3.57 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Hurst was Big West Player of the Week in week 12 and week 14. Seabold was Big West Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 8, Gavin in week 5 and Blake Workman in week 11. In the 2017 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Seabold (Phillies, 3rd round), Hurst (Cardinals, 3rd), Gavin (Giants, 8th), Hudgins (Royals, 16th), Persinger (Indians, 18th), Richards (Nationals, 24th), and Bryant (Cardinals, 33rd). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004.

The Oregon State Beavers are led by Head Coach Pat Casey. They had a 27-3 conference record in the PAC 12 and their campus is in Corvallis, Ore. Their top eight hitters are Nick Madrigal (.383), Steven Kwan (.345), KJ Harrison (.330), Trevor Larnach (.304), Michael Gretler (.300), Jack Anderson (.288), Cadyn Grenier (.280) and Christian Donahue (.258) with Harrison leading the team with eight home runs followed by Grenier with five. The team batting average is .296 and they average 6.1 runs a game. One of their top pitchers Luke Heimlich (11-1, 0.76) is not playing which leaves Jake Thompson (14-0, 1.52), Bryce Fehmel (5-2, 3.80) and Drew Rasmussen (3-0, 0.83) with Jake Mulholland being their main closer with six saves followed by Max Engelbrekt with five. Their team ERA is 1.80 and they have given up 2.2 runs per game. Grenier was PAC 12 Player of the Week in week 5, Harrison in week 6 and Madrigal in week 7. Heimlich was PAC 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 1, week 10 and week 12, Thompson in week 5 and week 14, Fehmel in week 6 and Mulholland in week 8. In the 2017 MLB draft they had five players taken: Rasmussen (Rays, 1st round), Harrison (Brewers, 3rd), Thompson (Red Sox, 4th), Gretler (Pirates, 39th), and Engelbrekt (Nationals, 40th). This is their sixth CWS appearance and won the title in 2006 and 2007.

The second game Saturday has 45-21 Florida State against 48-17 fourth seed LSU. Florida State swept Cinderella hopeful Sam Houston State 7-6 and 19-0 to advance to Omaha. LSU faced familiar SEC conference foe Mississippi State and got the sweep at home 4-3 and 14-4.

The Florida State Seminoles are led by Head Coach Mike Martin. They had a 14-14 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Tallahassee, Fla. Their top eight hitters are Jackson Lueck (.327), Rhett Aplin (.322), Dylan Busby (.315), Quincy Nieporte (.305), Taylor Walls (.276), Matt Henderson (.265), Drew Mendoza (.263) and JC Flowers (.239) with Busby leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Nieporter with 10. The team batting average is .272 and they average 7.4 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Tyler Holton (10-2, 2.25), Drew Parrish (6-3, 4.40) and Cole Sands (6-3, 5.05) with Drew Carlton being their main closer with six saves. Their team ERA is 3.72 and they have given up 4.5 runs per game. Busby was ACC Player of the Week in week 10. Holton was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 2, week 3, week 7, week 13 and week 14. In the 2017 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Walls (Rays, 3rd round), Busby (Pirates, 3rd), Nieporte (Phillies, 26th), Cobi Johnson (Angels, 29th), Carlton (Tigers, 32nd), Alec Byrd (Rockies, 33rd), Andrew Carp (Cubs, 34th), Holton (Marlins, 34th) and Jim Voyles (Cardinals, 38th). This is their 22nd CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Louisiana State University Tigers are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Baton Rouge, La. Their top eight hitters are Cole Freeman (.327), Antoine Duplantis (.322), Greg Deichmann (.320), Kramer Robertson (.319), Zach Watson (.313), Josh Smith (.289), Beau Jordan (.277) and Michael Papierski (.260) with Deichmann leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Robertson, Watson and Papierski with eight each. The team batting average is .294 and they average 7.0 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Lange (9-5, 2.92), Jared Poche' (10-3, 3.42) and Eric Walker (8-1, 3.46) with Hunter Newman being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 3.54 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Freeman was SEC Player of the Week in week 4, Duplantis in week 5 and Robertson in week 14. Poche' was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 3, Walker in week 8 and Lange in week 13. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Lange (Cubs, 1st round), Deichmann (Athletics, 2nd), Robertson (Cardinals, 4th), Freeman (Nationals, 4th), Poche' (Athletics, 9th), Papierski (Astros, 9th), Hunter Kiel (White Sox, 18th) and Doug Norman (Reds, 25th). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.

The first game Sunday, June 18, has 41-21 Texas A&M taking on 52-10 seventh seed Louisville. Texas A&M faced the other Cinderella possibilty Davidson outlasting them 7-6 in 15 innings before breaking out the broom in a 12-6 game. Louisville advanced to Omaha by sweeping in state rival Kentucky 5-2 and 6-2.

The Texas A&M Aggies are led by Head Coach Rob Childress. They had a 16-14 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in College Station, Texas. Their top eight hitters are Braden Shewmake (.335), Nick Choruby (.325), Cole Bedford (.302), Blake Kopetsky (.298), Hunter Coleman (.292), Logan Foster (.283), George Janca (.259) and Joel Davis (.253) with Shewmake leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Foster, Janca and Davis with six each. The team batting average is .275 and they average 6.2 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Brigham Hill (8-3, 3-18), Corbin Martin (7-3, 3.35) and Stephen Kolek (4-4, 3.59) with Mitchell Kilkenny being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.42 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Hill was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 7. In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: Martin (Astros, 2nd round), Hill (Nationals, 5th), Cason Sherrod (Royals, 13th), Choruby (Nationals, 18th), Turner Larkins (Blue Jays, 21st) and Kaylor Chafin (Mets, 32nd). This is their 6th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Louisville Cardinals are led by Head Coach Dan McDonnell. They had a 23-6 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Louisville, Ky. Their top eight hitters are Drew Ellis (.367), Brendan McKay (.343), Josh Stowers (.311), Devin Hairston (.306), Colin Lyman (.287), Logan Taylor (.279), Devin Mann (.270) and Colby Fitch (.256) with Ellis leading the team with 20 home runs followed by McKay with 17. The team batting average is .289 and they average 7.3 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are McKay (10-3, 2.34), Nick Bennett (5-0, 2.70) and Kade McClure (8-3, 3.43) with Lincoln Henzman being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 2.85 and they have given up 3.4 runs per game. McKay was ACC Player of the Week in week 11 and Fitch in week 13. McKay was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 4, week 5, week 9 and week 12. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: McKay (Rays, 1st round), Ellis (Diamondbacks, 2nd), Henzman (White Sox, 4th), Hairston (Brewers, 6th), McClure (White Sox, 6th), Fitch (Phillies, 13th), Taylor (White Sox, 16th) and Riley Thompson (Yankees, 25th). This is their 4th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The second game Sunday has 47-16 sixth seed TCU taking on 47-19 third seed Florida. TCU didn't allow Missouri State take their second ever trip to Omaha by sweeping them 3-2 and 8-1. Florida also denied Wake Forest a trip since their 1955 Championship season by outlasting them 2-1 in 11 innings and 8-6 in 11 innings to get the sweep.

The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. They had a 16-8 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Fort Worth, Texas. Their top eight hitters are Austen Wade (.342), Luken Baker (.317), Nolan Brown (.293), Cam Warner (.292), Evan Skoug (.277), Conner Wanhanen (.273), Ryan Merrill (.243) and Elliott Barzilli (.243) with Skoug leading the team with 20 home runs followed by Baker with eight. The team batting average is .272 and they average 6.9 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Jared Janczak (9-0, 1.97), Brian Howard (11-3, 3.95) and Nick Lodolo (5-1, 4.28) with Durbin Feltman being their main closer with 17 saves. Their team ERA is 4.02 and they have given up 4.6 runs per game. Baker was Big 12 Player of the Week in week 3, Wade in week 6 and Skoug in week 12. Janczak was Big 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 5 and week 7 and Howard in week 12. In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: taken: Wade (Indians, 5th round), Skoug (White Sox, 7th), Howard (Athletics, 8th), Mitchell Traver (Angels, 20th), Warner (Tigers, 28th) and Barzilli (Marlins, 32nd). This is their 5th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

The Florida Gators are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Gainesville, Fla. Their top eight hitters are Nelson Maldonado (.304), Ryan Larson (.304), Christian Hicks (.286), Jonathan India (.280), Keenan Bell (.275), Dalton Guthrie (.272), JJ Schwarz (.271) and Nick Kolozsvary (.270) with Schwarz leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Maldonado and India with six each. The team batting average is .262 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Faedo (7-2, 2.55), Brady Singer (7-5, 3.29) and Jackson Kowar (12-0, 4.00) with Michael Byrne being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 3.55 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Faedo was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 2 and week 10. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Faedo (Tigers, 1st round), Guthrie (Phillies, 6th), Michael Rivera (Indians, 6th), Kolozsvary (Reds, 7th), Warner (Tigers, 28th), David Lee (Pirates, 27th), Frank Rubio (Giants, 29th) and Schwarz (Rays, 38th). This is their 11th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.

Oregon State will be the favorite after their dominating season while the SEC has flooded the rest of the bracket with three teams. Brendan McKay may the the X-Factor able to put his team on his back with both his bat and on the mound. Counting down the minutes until first pitch.

The article 2017 Men's College World Series Preview originally appeared on BaseballMeLove.

-population-we™ blog post by John Bohan 

© 2017 population-we, LLC

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pop-we Highlights 2016 Men's College World Series Lineup

The 2016 College World Series (CWS) will be played in Omaha, NE at Ameritrade Park from June 18 through June 28 or 29 if necessary. There will be no repeat this year as defending champion Virginia did not make it out of their regional. Only three of the national seeds made it to Omaha including top seed Florida. Two first time teams make the trip as representatives from both coast make their debuts.

The first game Saturday has 41-20 Oklahoma State against 42-18-1 UC Santa Barbara. Oklahoma State made their way to Omaha by sweeping host South Carolina 5-1 and 3-1 in the super regional. UC Santa Barbara claimed their super regional by shocking second seed Louisville by sweeping 4-2 and 4-3.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are led by Head Coach Josh Holliday. They had a 16-8 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Stillwater, OK. Their top eight hitters are Conor Costello (.367), J.R. Davis (.353), Donnie Walton (.342), Garrett Benge (.296), Corey Hassel (.285), Jon Littell (.263), Andrew Ross (.235) and Dustin Williams (.227) with Williams leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Hassel and Collin Theroux with six each. The team batting average is .268 and they average 5.9 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Thomas Hatch (8-2, 2.04), Jensen Elliott (9-2, 3.27) and Trey Cobb (4-7, 3.33) with Tyler Buffett being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 3.27 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had 11 players taken: Hatch (Cubs, 3rd round), Walton (Mariners, 5th), Remey Reed (Marlins, 6th), Garrett Williams (Giants, 7th), Buffett (Astros, 7th), Cobb (Cubs, 12th), Michael Mertz (Marlins, 14th), Davis (Cardinals, 15th), Theroux (Athletics, 32nd) Costello (Dodgers, 32nd), and Dustin Williams (Pirates, 36th). This is their 20th CWS appearance and won the title in 1959.

The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos are led by Head Coach Andrew Checketts. They had a 13-11 conference record in the Big West and their campus is in Santa Barbara, CA. Their top eight hitters are Sam Cohen (.370), Devon Gradford (.336), J.J Muno (.294), Clay Fisher (.289), Dempsey Grover (.277), Ryan Clark (.270), Austin Bush (.269) and Andrew Calica (.265) with Bush leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Muno with five. Their team batting average is .262 and they average 5.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Shane Bieber (12-3, 2.84), Joe Record (6-5, 3.91) and Noah Davis (6-4, 4.70) with Kyle Nelson being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 3.79 and they give up 4.4 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had five players taken: Bieber (Indians, 4th round), Calica (Indians, 11th), James Carter (Dodgers, 21st), Trevor Bettencourt (Phillies, 25th), and Justin Kelly (Angels, 33rd). This is their first appearance in the CWS.

The second game Saturday has 50-12 third seed Miami (FL) against 44-21 Arizona. Miami battled Boston College in their super regional taking the first game 12-7, losing the second 5-3 before clinching with a 9-4 victory. Arizona surprised sixth seed Mississippi State by sweeping 1-0 and 6-5 to advance to Omaha.

The Miami Hurricanes are led by Head Coach Jim Morris. They had a 21-7 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Miami, FL. Their top eight hitters are Brandon Lopez (.385), Zack Collins (.357), Johnny Ruiz (.346), Carl Chester (.344), Willie Abreu (.286), Edgar Michelangeli (.274), Randy Batista (.268) and Christopher Barr (.260) with Collins leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Abreu with 12. Their team batting average is .300 and they have averaged 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Jesse Lepore (9-0, 2.20), Michael Mediavilla (11-1, 3.11) and Danny Garcia (9-4, 3.48) with Bryan Garcia being their main closer with 18 saves. Their team ERA is 3.60 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Collins (White Sox, 1st round), Abreu (Rockies, 6th), Bryan Garcia (Tigers, 6th), Lopez (Twins, 10th), Danny Garcia (Mariners, 15th), Jacob Heyward (Giants, 18th), and Ruiz (Astros, 28th). This is their 25th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001.

The Arizona Wildcats are led by Head Coach Jay Johnson. They had a 16-14 conference record in the PAC 10 and their campus is in Tucson, AZ. Their top eight hitters are Zach Gibbons (.381), Cody Ramer (.352), Ryan Aguilar (.311), J.J. Matijevic (.292), Cesar Salazar (.290), Bobby Dalbec (.270), Alfonso Rivas (.267) and Louis Boyd (.259) with Aguilar leading the team with eight home runs followed by Jared Oliva with seven. Their team batting average is .292 while scoring 6.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Nathan Bannister (11-2, 2.71), J.C. Cloney (6-4, 2.86) and Cameron Ming (3-2, 3.72) with Dalbec being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.42 and they give up 4.0 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had four players taken: Dalbec (Red Sox, 4th round), Gibbons (Angels, 17th), Kevin Ginkel (Diamondbacks, 22nd), and Bannister (Mariners, 18th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1976, 1980, 1986 and 2012.

The first game Sunday has 46-18 fifth seed Texas Tech taking on 47-16 TCU. Texas Tech was challenged in their super regional by East Carolina who beat Tech 8-6 in the first game before Tech rebounded to take the next two 3-1 and 11-0. TCU had a deja vu super regional against fourth seeded Texas A&M the second consecutive year while winning 8-2 in the first game, losing 7-1 in the second and clinching 4-1 in the deciding third game.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are led by Head Coach Tim Tadlock. They had a 19-5 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Lubbock, TX. Their top eight hitters are Tanner Gardner (.382), Eric Gutierrez (.326), Cory Raley (.323), Stephen Smith (.318), Tyler Neslony (.314), Hunter Hargrove (.302), Michael Davis (.274) and Orlando Garcia (.262) with Gutierrez leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Smith and Neslony with 10 each. The team batting average is .294 while scoring 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Davis Martin (9-1, 2.73), Steven Gingery (4-2, 3.25) and Ty Damron (4-2, 6.52) with Hayden Howard being their main closer with eight saves. Their team ERA is 4.16 and they gave up 4.8 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had ten players taken: Ryan Moseley (Orioles, 8th round), Neslony (Braves, 9th), Smith (Diamondbacks, 10th), Howard (Nationals, 12th), Damron (Athletics, 15th), Robert Dugger (Mariners, 18th), Gutierrez (Marlins, 20th), Chandler Eden (Dodgers, 25th), Dalton Brown (Brewers, 30th) and Zach Davis (Cubs, 32nd). This is their second CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.

The Texas Christian Horned Frogs are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. They had a 15-9 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Fort Worth, TX. Their top eight hitters are Luken Baker (.379), Elliot Barzilli (.352), Dane Steinhagen (.310), Cam Warner (.306), Evan Skoug (.299), Ryan Merrill (.298), Austen Wade (.292) and Josh Watson (.281) with Watson leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Baker and Skoug with nine each. Their team batting average is .304 while scoring 7.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Baker (3-1, 1.70), Brian Howard (9-2, 3.29) and Dalton Horton (8-0, 2.58) with Derbin Feltman being their main closer with eight saves. Their team ERA is 3.17 and they gave up 3.7 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had six players taken: Brian Trieglaff (Yankees, 13th round), Mitchell Traver (Reds, 17th), Howard (Astros, 17th), Rex Hill (Royals, 27th), Barzilli (Astros, 29th) and Preston Guillory (Marlins, 31st). This is their fourth CWS appearance and all since 2010 but they have not won a championship.

The second game Sunday has 52-14 top seed Florida taking on 49-16 Coastal Carolina. Florida also had a deja vu super regional facing Florida State again who won the first game 3-0 before the Gators shut them down 5-0 and 7-0. Coastal Carolina drove the Upset Bus to their super regional as they swept eighth seed LSU 11-8 and 4-3.

The Florida Gators are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. They had a 19-10 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Gainesville, FL. Their top eight hitters are Peter Alonso (.373), Dalton Guthrie (.309), Jonathan India (.303), J.J. Schwarz (.295), Jeremy Vasquez (.286), Deacon Liput (.272), Nelson Maldonado (.262) and Buddy Reed (.261) with Alonso leading the team with 13 home runs followed by Mike Rivera with nine. Their team batting average is .280 while scoring 6.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Logan Shore (12-0, 2.24), Alex Faedo (13-2, 3.25) and A.J. Puk (2-3, 3.05) with Shaun Anderson being their main closer with 13 saves. Their team ERA is 2.93 and they have allowed 3.3 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Puk (Athletics, 1st round), Dane Dunning (Nationals, 1st), Shore (Athletics, 2nd), Reed (Padres, 2nd), Alonso (Mets, 2nd), Anderson (Red Sox, 3rd), Scott Moss (Reds, 10th) and Kirby Snead (Blue Jays, 10th). This is their 10th CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are led by Head Coach Gary Gilmore. They had a 21-3 conference record in the Big South and their campus is in Conway, SC. Their top eight hitters are Connor Owings (.379), Zach Remillard (.347), G.K. Young (.345), Billy Cooke (.344), Seth Lancaster (.326), Michael Paez (.287), Anthony Marks (.278) and Tyler Chadwick (.261) with Remillard leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Young with 17. Their team batting average is .300 while scoring 7.5 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Beckwith (12-1, 2.12), Alex Cunningham (9-3, 3.58) and Bobby Holmes (6-2, 4.44) with Mike Morrison being their main closer with 11 saves. Their team ERA is 3.48 and they give up 4.3 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had six players taken: Paez (Mets, 4th round), Remillard (White Sox, 10th), Morrison (White Sox, 27th), Cunningham (Tigers, 28th), Young (Padres, 31st) and Owings (Diamondbacks, 34th). This is their first CWS appearance.

This year the two first time teams give a couple Cinderella options for the fans to root for. Plus multiple teams are making milestone visits to Omaha: Miami (25), Oklahoma State (20) and Florida (10). The ball will provide the familiar sounds of the ping against the bat and the pop against the leather glove as crowds cheer. Time for baseball at its finest.

-population-we™ blog post by John Bohan 

© 2016 population-we, LLC

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.

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pop-we Highlights 2015 Men's College World Series Lineup

The 2015 College World Series will be played in Omaha, NE at Ameritrade Park from June 13 through June 23 or 24 if necessary. There are numerous reasons to be especially excited this year. The field of eight that made it to Omaha is stacked with traditional powers that have been made the trip before. 2014 Champion Vanderbilt returns and will try to repeat. The talent level showcased will be high with four of the top ten players selected in the 2015 MLB draft including the top two. Finally the redesigned baseball has produced more home runs nationwide this season but the test will be to see how they play at Ameritrade Park which has kept hitters in check the previous two years.

The first game Saturday has 40-23 Arkansas against 39-22 Virginia. Arkansas made their way to Omaha by dominating #8 seed Missouri State 18-4 in the first game, losing 3-1 in the second and clinching 3-2 in the super regional. Virginia claimed their super regional against Maryland sweeping 5-3 and 5-4.

The Arkansas Razorbacks are led by Head Coach Dave Van Horn. Their top eight hitters are Andrew Benintendi (.380), Carson Shaddy (.337), Tyler Spoon (.331), Rick Nomura (.294), Joe Serrano (.285), Clark Eagan (.284), Bobby Wernes (.280) and Michael Bernal (.280) with Benintendi leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Spoon with six. The team batting average is .289 and they average 6.0 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Keaton McKinney (6-2, 3.27), Dominic Taccolini (6-4, 4.32) and James Teague (6-4, 3.36) with Zach Jackson being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 4.08 and they have given up 4.7 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had four players taken: Benintendi (Red Sox, 1st round), Trey Killian (Rockies, 9th), Wernes (Astros, 30th), and Spoon (Red Sox, 35th). This is their eighth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The Virginia Cavaliers are led by Head Coach Brian O'Connor. Their top eight hitters are Matt Thaiss (.332), Pavin Smith (.313), Robbie Coman (.301), Daniel Pinero (.300), Charlie Cody (.291), Kenny Towns (.298), Adam Haseley (.252) and Ernie Clement (.239) with Thaiss leading the team with nine home runs followed by Smith and Pinero with six. Their team batting average is .273 and they average 5.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Connor Jones (7-2, 2.96), Nathan Kirby (5-2, 2.28) and Brandon Waddell (3-5, 4.15) with Josh Sborz being their main closer with 14 saves. Their team ERA is 3.52 and they give up 4.2 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Kirby (Brewers, 1st round), Sborz (Dodgers, 2nd), Joe McCarthy (Rays, 5th), Waddell (Pirates, 5th), John LaPrise (Blue Jays, 19th) Towns (Angels, 20th) and Pinero (Tigers, 36th). This is their fourth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The second game Saturday has 49-16 fourth seed Florida against 49-15 fifth seed Miami (FL). Florida already swept in state rival Florida State 13-5 and 11-4 in their super regional. Miami claimed their super regional against Cinderella Virginia Commonwealth 3-2 and 10-3.

The Florida Gators are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. Their top eight hitters are Josh Tobias (.373), Jeremy Vasquez (.350), JJ Schwarz (.332), Buddy Reed (.313), Ryan Larson (.305), Richie Martin (.292), Harrison Bader (.292) and Dalton Guthrie (.286) with Schwarz leading the team with 18 home runs followed by Bader with 15. Their team batting averge is .299 and they have averaged 6.9 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Logan Shore (9-6, 2.50), Dane Dunning (5-2, 3.95) and A.J. Puk (9-3, 3.96) with Taylor Lewis being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.22 and they have given up 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Martin (Athletics, 1st round), Bader (Cardinals, 3rd), Eric Hanhold (Brewers, 6th), Daniel Young (Blue Jays, 8th), Lewis (Braves, 9th), Tobias (Phillies, 10th), Bobby Poyner (Red Sox, 14th), Michael Vinson (Tigers, 24th) and Aaron Rhodes (Angels, 28th). This is their ninth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The Miami Hurricanes are led by Head Coach Jim Morris. Their top eight hitters are George Iskenderian (.367), David Thompson (.333), Garrett Kennedy (.329), Johnny Ruiz (.318), Jacob Heyward (.313), Christopher Barr (.306), Brandon Lopez (.303) and Zack Collins (.303) with Thompson leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Collins with 15. Their team batting average is .311 while scoring 8.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Suarez (9-1, 2.96), Thomas Woodrey (7-2, 3.06) and Danny Garcia (7-1, 3.25) with Bryan Garcia being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 3.02 and they give up 3.7 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had five players taken: Suarez (Giants, 2nd round), Thompson (Mets, 4th), Iskenderian (Brewers, 7th), Kennedy (Dodgers, 14th), and Ricky Eusebio (Mariners, 16th). This is their 24th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001.

The first game Sunday has 53-10 second seed LSU taking on 49-13 seventh seed TCU. LSU swept in state rival UL-Layayette in their super regional 4-3 and 6-3. TCU had an epic super regional against Texas A&M winning 13-4 in the first game, losing 2-1 in the second game in 10 innings and clinching 5-4 in a deciding 16 inning marathon.

The LSU Tigers are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. They feature the second player taken in the 2015 MLB draft shortstop Alex Bregman. Their top eight hitters are Andrew Stevenson (.356), Chris Chinea (.355), Kade Scivicque (.347), Conner Hale (.343), Mark Laird (.323), Bregman (.312), Chris Sciambra (.309) and Jake Fraley (.308) with Chinea leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Bregman with nine. The team batting average is .316 while scoring 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Lange (11-0, 1.89), Jared Poche' (9-1, 2.91) and Jake Godfrey (7-1, 4.70) with Jesse Stallings being their main closer with 12 saves. Their team ERA is 2.84 and they gave up 3.5 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Bregman (Astros, 1st round), Stevenson (Nationals, 2nd), Scivicque (Tigers, 4th), Jared Foster (Angels, 5th), Zac Person (Astros, 9th), Laird (Phillies, 9th), Hale (Mariners, 9th) and Chinea (Cardinals, 17th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title six times in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.

The Texas Christian Horned Frogs are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. Their top eight hitters are Cody Jones (.371), Connor Wanhanen (.320), Evan Williams (.316), Nolan Brown (.314), Derek Odell (.303), Evan Skoug (.286), Dane Steinhagen (.282) and Garrett Crain (.271) with Wanhanen leading the team with nine home runs followed by Jones, Skoug and Keaton Jones with six each. Their team batting average is .289 while scoring 6.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Preston Morrison (11-3, 2.55), Mitchell Traver (9-2, 1.60) and Alex Young (9-2, 2.31) with Riley Ferrell being their main closer with 14 saves. Their team ERA is 2.38 and they gave up 3.1 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Young (Diamondbacks, 2nd round), Tyler Alexander (Tigers, 2nd), Ferrell (Astros, 3rd), Cody Jones (Royals, 6th), Morrison (Cubs, 8th), Trey Teakell (Tigers, 9th), Keaton Jones (Tigers, 15th) and Traver (Cardinals, 28th). This is their third CWS appearance and all since 2010.

The second game Sunday has 39-23 Cal State Fullerton taking on 47-19 Vanderbilt. Cal State Fullerton had to battle uphill in their super regional against third seed Louisville as they won 3-2 in 10 innings, lost 9-3 and clinched with an 11 inning 4-3 victory. Vanderbilt swept sixth seed Illinois 13-0 and 4-2 to advance to Omaha.

The Cal State Fullerton Titans are led by Head Coach Rick Vanderhook. Their top eight hitters are Josh Vargas (.340), Davi Olmedo-Barrera (.328), Jerrod Bravo (.312), Tyler Steib (.303), Josh Estill (.283), Dustin Vaught (.256), Tanner Pinkson (.254) and Scott Hurst (.250) with Olmedo-Barrera leading the team with 10 home runs followed by Estill with five. Their team batting average is .265 while scoring 5.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Thomas Eshelman (8-5, 1.56), John Gavin (7-3, 3.66) and Connor Seabold (5-3, 2.84) with Tyler Peitzmeier being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 2.84 and they have allowed 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had six players taken: Eshelman (Astros, 2nd round), Justin Garza (Indians, 8th), Peitzmeier (Cubs, 9th), Olmedo-Barrera (Rays, 12th), AJ Kennedy (Padres, 30th) and Jake Jefferies (Nationals, 39th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are led by Head Coach Tim Corbin. They feature the number one overall player taken in the 2015 MLB draft shortstop Dansby Swanson. Their top eight hitters are Swanson (.350), Rhett Wiseman (.318), Zander Wiel (.316), Bryan Reynolds (.311), Ro Coleman (.308), Will Toffey (.305), Jason Delay (.301) and Jeren Kendall (.289) with Swanson leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Wiseman and Wiel with 14 each. Their team batting average is .295 while scoring 6.9 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Carson Fulmer (13-2, 1.82), Walker Buehler (4-2, 2.97) and Jordan Sheffield (5-2, 2.90) with Philip Pfeifer being their main closer with five saves. Their team ERA is 2.96 and they give up 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Swanson (Diamondbacks, 1st round), Fulmer (White Sox, 1st), Buehler (Dodgers, 1st), Pfeifer (Dodgers, 3rd), Wiseman (Nationals, 3rd), Tyler Ferguson (Rangers, 6th), Wiel (Twins, 12th), Xavier Turner (Rangers, 19th) and John Kilichowski (Cubs, 39th). This is their third CWS appearance and they won the Championship last year.

This may be the strongest field in terms of both teams and talent in years. Good luck to all. Time to play ball in Omaha!

-population-we™ blog post by John Bohan 

© 2015 population-we, LLC

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pop-we Highlights 2014 Men's College World Series Lineup

The 2014 College World Series will be played in Omaha, NE at TD Ameritrade Park from June 14 thru June 24 or 25, if necessary. There will not be a repeat this year as last year's champion UCLA finished 25-30-11 and did not garner an invitation to the tournament of 64. The final field of eight only has one team returning from last year with Louisville playing their way back. Only two of the top eight national seeds made it through with third seed Virginia and seventh seed TCU avoiding the upsets.

The first game Saturday has 40-23 UC-Irvine against 43-19 Texas. UC-Irvine earned their ticket to Omaha by beating Oklahoma State 8-4 and 1-0 in the super regional. Texas claimed their super regional against Kansas State winning 12-0 in the first game, losing 5-4 in the second and clinching 9-8 in the deciding third game.

The UC-Irvine Anteaters are led by Head Coach Mike Gillespie. Their top seven hitters are Connor Spencer (.368), Jerry McClanahan (.315), Taylor Sparks (.314), Jonathan Munoz (.294), Grant Palmer (.271), Chris Rabago (.253) and Mikey Duarte (.241) with Sparks and Kris Paulino leading the team with 5 home runs followed by Spencer and McClanahan with one each. The team batting average is .273 and they average 4.4 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Morales (11-2, 1.53), Elliot Surrey (8-4, 1.99) and Evan Brock (9-6, 3.09) with Sam Moore being their main closer with 23 saves. Their team ERA is 2.73 and they have given up 3.4 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had five players taken: Sparks (Reds, 2nd round), Morales (Cardinals, 2nd), Spencer (Yankees, 8th), Rabago (Rockies, 13th) and Moore (Dodgers, 40th). This is their second CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The Texas Longhorns are led by Head Coach Augie Garrido. Their top seven hitters are Madison Carter (.346), Mark Payton (.320), C.J. Hinojosa (.300), Brooks Marlow(.278), Zane Gurwitz (.278), Ben Johnson (.270) and Tres Barrera (.270) with Johnson leading the team with six home runs followed by Barrera with five. Their team batting average is .267 and they average 4.6 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Nathan Thornhill (8-3, 1.63), Dillon Peters (7-3, 2.13) and Parker French (6-5, 2.45) with John Curtiss being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 2.33 and they give up 2.9 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had six players taken: Curtiss (Twins, 6th round), Payton (Yankees, 7th), Peters (Marlins, 10th), Thornhill (Phillies, 13th), Lukas Schiraldi (Mariners, 15th) and French (Tigers, 19th). This is their 35th CWS appearance and they won six championships.

The second game Saturday has 50-15 Louisville against 46-19 Vanderbilt. Louisville knocked off Kennesaw State 5-3 and 7-4 in their super regional. Vanderbilt claimed their super regional against Stanford winning 11-6 in the first game, losing 5-4 in the second and clinching 12-5 in the deciding third game.

The Louisville Cardinal are led by Head Coach Dan McDonell. Their top seven hitters are Nick Solak (.362), Cole Sturgeon (.328), Kyle Gibson (.323), Jeff Gardner (.318), Alex Chittenden (.295), Grant Kay (.288) and Zach Lucas (.268) with Gardner leading the team with nine home runs followed by Kay and Lucas with five each. Their team batting averge is .287 and they have averaged 6.3 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Kyle Funkhouser (13-3, 1.94), Anthony Kidston (9-0, 3.54) and Jared Ruxer (7-1, 2.27) with Nick Burdi being their main closer with 18 saves. Their team ERA is 2.81 and they have given up 3.3 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Burdi (Twins, 2nd round), Gardner (Nationals, 8th), Sturgeon (Red Sox, 10th), Ruxer (Angels, 12th), Joe Filomeno (Twins, 15th), Kay (Rays, 27th), Zachary Lucas (Pirates, 29th) and Kyle McGrath (Padres, 36th). This is their third CWS appearance.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are led by Head Coach Tim Corbin. Their top seven hitters are Bryan Reynolds (.340), Dansby Swanson (.336), Vince Conde (.301), Xavier Turner (.283), John Norwood (.281), Rhett Wiseman (.274) and Zander Wiel (.273) with Wiel leading the team with five home runs followed by Reynolds and Conde with four each. Their team batting average is .282 while scoring 5.7 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Walker Buehler (11-2, 2.39), Tyler Ferguson (8-3, 2.51) and Tyler Beede (8-7, 3.58) with Carson Fulmer being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 2.75 and they give up 3.4 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had five players taken: Beede (Giants, 1st round), Adam Ravenelle (Tigers, 4th), Conde (Yankees, 9th), Jared Miller (Diamondbacks, 11th), and Brian Miller (Rays, 15th). This is their second CWS appearance.

The first game Sunday has 45-19 Texas Tech taking on 47-16 seventh seed TCU. Texas Tech battled through their super regional beating College of Charleston 1-0 and 1-0. TCU claimed their super regional against Pepperdine winning 3-2 in the first game, losing 3-2 in the second and clinching 6-5 in the deciding third game.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are led by Head Coach Tim Tadlock. Their top seven hitters are Tyler Neslony (.388), Alex Humphreys (.322), Tim Proudfoot (.317), Eric Gutierrez (.312), Adam Kirsch (.300), Stephen Smith (.282) and Bryant Burleson (.275) with Gutierrez leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Kirsch with 10. The team batting average is .287 while scoring 6.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Dylan Dusek (8-0, 1.94), Cameron Smith (8-2, 2.81) and Chris Sadberry (5-3, 3.17) with Jonny Drozd being their main closer with five saves. Their team ERA is 3.17 and they gave up 3.5 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had four players taken: Sadberry (Marlins, 6th round), Hunter Redman (Dodgers, 8th), Proudfoot (Athletics, 21st), and Dominic Moreno (Cardinals, 33rd). This is their first CWS appearance.

The Texas Christian Horned Frogs are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. Their top seven hitters are Garrett Crain (.335), Boomer White (.318), Dylan Fitzgerald (.318), Derek Odell (.280), Kevin Cron (.279), Jerrick Suiter (.278) and Cody Jones (.269) with Cron leading the team with five home runs followed by Fitzgerald, White and Jeremie Fagnan with two each. Their team batting average is .283 while scoring 5.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Preston Morrison (9-4, 1.32), Brandon Finnegan (9-3, 2.12) and Tyler Alexander (10-3, 2.16) with Riley Ferrell being their main closer with 15 saves. Their team ERA is 2.19 and they gave up 2.7 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had six players taken: Finnegan (Royals, 1st round), Jordan Kipper (Angels, 9th), Cron (Diamondbacks, 14th), Kyle Bacak (Nationals, 25th), Suiter (Pirates, 26th) and Jones (Indians, 38th). This is their second CWS appearance.

The second game Sunday has 49-14 third seed Virginia taking on 46-19 Mississippi. Virginia was challenged at their super regional by Maryland who they lost 9-5 in the first game then beat 7-3 and 11-2. Mississippi faced sixth seeded Louisiana-Lafayette who they lost 9-5 in the first game and then won 5-2 and 10-4.

The Virginia Cavaliers are led by Head Coach Brian O'Connor. Their top seven hitters are John La Prise (.368), Mike Papi (.311), Joe McCarthy (.305), Branden Cogswell (.292), Derek Fisher (.285), Kenny Towns (.273) and Daniel Pinero (.266) with Papi leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Brandon Downes with seven. Their team batting average is .281 while scoring 5.6 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Nathan Kirby (9-2, 1.73), Brandon Waddell (9-3, 2.66) and Josh Sporz (5-4, 3.04) with Nick Howard being their main closer with 19 saves. Their team ERA is 2.31 and they have allowed 2.7 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Howard (Reds, 1st round), Fisher (Astros, 1st), Papi (Indians, 1st), Downes (Royals, 7th), Cogswell (Athletics, 7th), Artie Lewicki (Tigers, 8th), Whit Mayberry (Tigers, 21st) and Nate Irving (Diamondbacks, 34th). This is their third CWS appearance.

The Mississippi Rebels are led by Head Coach Mike Bianco. Their top seven hitters are Auston Bousfield (.349), Will Allen (.345), Austen Anderson (.331), J.B. Woodman (.308), Brantley Bell (.307), Errol Robinson (.299) and Sikes Orvis (.295) with Orvis leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Bousfield with six. Their team batting average is .303 while scoring 6.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Chris Ellis (10-2, 2.45), Christian Trent (9-0, 2.21) and Sam Smith (5-4, 3.45) with John Laxer being their main closer with six saves. Their team ERA is 2.72 and they have allowed 3.4 runs per game. In the 2014 MLB draft Ole Miss had nine players taken: Ellis (Angels, 3rd round), Bousfield (Padres, 5th), Anderson (Orioles, 9th), Laxer (Tigers, 9th), Braxton Lee (Rays, 12th), Allen (Tigers, 12th), Hawtin Buchanan (Mariners, 20th), Aaron Greenwood (Astros, 28th) and Trent (Dodgers, 29th). This is their fifth CWS appearance.

With only two national seeds this College World Series could have a cinderfella ending for one of the other six. Time to play ball in Omaha!

-population-we™ blog post by John Bohan

© 2014 population-we, LLC 
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pop-we Highlights 2013 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

The hottest ticket in town!

The 2013 College World Series (CWS) will be played in Omaha, NE at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15 thru June 24 or 25, if necessary. There will not be a repeat this year as last year's champion Arizona finished 34-21 and did not garner an invitation to the tournament of 64. The final field of eight does include some regular visitors to Omaha such as LSU, Oregon State and North Carolina. It also features Indiana which is the first representative from the Big 10 since 1984.

The first game Friday has 48-18 Mississippi State against third seed 50-11 Oregon State. Mississippi State earned their ticket to Omaha by beating Virginia 11-6 and 6-5 in the super regional. Oregon State lost to Kansas State 6-2 in the first game of their super regional then bounced back to win 12-4 and 4-3.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are led by Head Coach John Cohen. Their top seven hitters are Hunter Renfroe (.360), Adam Frazier (.359), Alex Detz (.323), Brett Pirtle (.306), Sam Frost (.295), Wes Rea (.288) and C. T. Bradford (.287) with Renfroe leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Rea with seven. Their top three starting pitchers are Kendall Graveman (7-5, 3.14), Jacob Lindgren (4-3, 4.18) and Luis Pollorena (6-3, 4.32) with Jonathan Holder being their main closer with 18 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Renfroe (Padres, 1st round), Frazier (Pirates, 6th), Graveman (Blue Jays, 8th), Chad Girodo (Blue Jays, 8th), Evan Mitchell (Reds, 13th), Daryl Norris (Tigers, 22nd) and Pollorena (Rangers, 23rd). This is their ninth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.

The Oregon State Beavers are led by Head Coach Pat Casey. Their top seven hitters are Dylan Davis (.343), Andy Peterson (.329), Michael Conforto (.320), Kavin Keyes (.318), Beay Day (.313), Tyler Smith (.311) and Ryan Barnes (.299) with Conforto leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Danny Hayes with six. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Moore (14-1, 1.36), Ben Wetzler (9-1, 2.11) and Matt Boyd (10-3, 2.13) with Scott Schultz being their main closer with 10 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Wetzler (Phillies, 5th round), Boyd (Blue Jays, 6th), Smith (Mariners, 8th), Hayes (White Sox, 13th), Schultz (Marlins, 17th), Daniel Child (Phillies, 18th) and Jake Rodriguez (Astros, 19th). This is their fifth CWS appearance and they won two championships.

The second game Friday has 48-14 Indiana against 51-12 Louisville in this year's battle of the seed busters. Indiana knocked off seventh seed Florida State 10-9 and 11-6 in their super regional. Louisville upset second seed Vanderbilt 5-3 and 2-1 in their super regional to advance.

The Indiana Hoosiers are led by Head Coach Tracy Smith. Their top seven hitters are Dustin DeMuth (.389), Kyle Schwarber (.376), Scott Donley (.361), Michael Basil (.315), Sam Travis (.313), Casey Smith (.309) and Will Nolden (.301) with Schwarber leading the team with 18 home runs followed by Travis with 10. Their top three starting pitchers are Aaron Slegers (9-1, 2.13), Joey DeNato (9-2, 2.76) and Kyle Hart (8-2, 3.01) with Ryan Halstead being their main closer with 11 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had three players taken: Slegers (Twins, 5th round), DeMuth (Twins, 8th) and Halstead (Twins, 26th). This is their first CWS appearance.

Shot down first baseline at 2013 Men's College World Series.

The Louisville Cardinals are led by Head Coach Dan McDonnell. Their top seven hitters are Ty Young (.339), Jeff Gardner (.335), Coco Johnson (.333), Cole Sturgeon (.327), Sutton Whiting (.315), Kyle Gibson (.301) and Nick Ratajczak (.285) with Gardner leading the team with nine home runs followed by Johnson with eight. Their top three starting pitchers are Jeff Thompson (11-1, 2.00), Chad Green (10-3, 2.29) and Dace Kime (6-1, 3.07) with Nick Burdi being their main closer with 16 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Kime (Indians, 3rd round), Thompson (Tigers, 3rd), Young (Rays, 7th), Johnson (Marlins, 11th), Green (Tigers, 11th), Cody Ege (Rangers, 15th) and Adam Engel (White Sox, 19th). This is their second CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.

The first game Saturday has 57-10 top seed North Carolina taking on 49-14 North Carolina State. North Carolina battled South Carolina in their super regional winning the first game 6-5, losing the second 8-0 and clinching it with a 5-4 victory. North Carolina State swept Rice in their super regional 4-3 and 5-4.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are led by Head Coach Mike Fox. Their top seven hitters are Cody Stubbs (.366), Landon Lassiter (.361), Colin Moran (.343), Skye Bolt (.330), Brian Holberton (.309), Michael Russell (.304) and Chaz Frank (.298) with Moran leading the team with 13 home runs followed by Holberton with 11. Their top three starting pitchers are Kent Emanuel (11-3, 2.93), Hobbs Johnson (4-1, 2.62) and Benton Moss (8-1, 3.78) with Trent Thornton being their main closer with eight saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had six players taken: Moran (Marlins, 1st round), Emanuel (Astros, 3rd), Stubbs (Royals, 8th), Holberton (Astros, 9th), Johnson (Brewers, 14th) and Frank (Blue Jays, 20th). This is their 10th CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.

The North Carolina State Wolf Pack are led by Head Coach Elliot Avent. Their top seven hitters are Trea Turner (.378), Jake Fincher (.327), Bryan Adametz (.298), Tarran Senay (.291), Grant Clyde (.278), Jake Armstrong (.267) and Brett Austin (.258) with Senay leading the team with eight home runs followed by Turner with seven. Their top three starting pitchers are Carlos Rodon (9-2, 3.19), Ethan Ogburn (5-3, 2.70) and Brad Stone (3-2, 5.28) with Grant Sasser being their main closer with eight saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had two players taken: John Easley (Marlins, 23rd round) and Anthony Tzamtzis (Rays, 32nd). This is their second CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.

The second game Saturday has 44-17 UCLA taking on 57-9 fourth seed Louisiana State. UCLA advanced to Omaha by sweeping fifth seed Cal State Fullerton 5-3 and 3-0. LSU won their super regional by sweeping Oklahoma 2-0 and 11-1.

The UCLA Bruins are led by Head Coach John Savage. Their top seven hitters are Kevin Kramer (.279), Eric Filia (.278), Pat Gallagher (.277), Trent Chatterton (.260), Brian Carroll (.259), Pat Valaika (.257) and Brenton Allen (.247) with Valaika leading the team with five home runs followed by Kramer with three. Their top three starting pitchers are Nick Vander Tuig (12-4, 2.37), Adam Plutko (8-3, 2.35) and Grant Watson (8-3, 3.22) with David Berg being their main closer with 21 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Vander Tuig (Giants, 6th round), Zach Weiss (Reds, 6th), Valaika (Rockies, 9th), Plutko (Indians, 11th), Allen (Nationals, 20th), Kevin Williams (Marlins, 29th) and Ryan Deeter (Brewers, 32nd). This is their fifth CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.

The Louisiana State Tigers are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. Their top seven hitters are Alex Bregman (.380), Mason Katz (.366), Raph Rhymes (.343), Sean McMullen (.317), Christian Ibarra (.315), JaCoby Jones (.299) and Mark Laird (.297) with Katz leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Bregman, Ibarra and Jones all tied with six. Their top three starting pitchers are Aaron Nola (12-0, 1.68), Cody Glenn (7-2, 2.41) and Ryan Eades (8-1, 2.79) with Chris Cotton being their main closer with 16 saves. In the 2013 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Eades (Twins, 2nd round), Jones (Pirates, 3rd), Katz (Cardinals, 4th), Nick Rumbelow (Yankees, 7th), Will LaMarche (Tigers, 9th), Ty Ross (Giants, 12th), Cotton (Astros, 14th), Rhymes (Tigers, 15th) and Ibarra (Pirates, 32nd). This is their 16th CWS appearance and they have won six championships.

Play ball!

(Editor's note: Again this year population-we™ and Baseball Me Love team up to bring CWS fans a glimpse into the elite eight making the trip to Omaha. Good luck to all the teams!)

- population-we™ blog post by John Bohan

© 2013 population-we, LLC

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pop-we Dinner Club Reviews Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano

Lo Sole Mio entrance.

The great Dean Martin once said, “That’s amore!” In South Omaha, located at 3001 S. 32nd Ave., Conrad took us to a family-run Italian restaurant called Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano. It sits in a neighborhood, they don’t have a parking lot and they are always busy. It was opened in 1992 by Don and Marie along with their children. They wanted a charming, "Old World" type of place that was a destination for people to come and people always do. Every year Omaha hosts the College World Series (NCAA baseball championship), the sports radio show I listen to always ask national sports writers what restaurant they are going to first? Lo Sole Mio is always first or second on their list while in town.

When you arrive at Lo Sole Mio, you can walk straight ahead into the bar area. The dining room is to the right of the entrance and is L shaped. There is seating in the basement, too. As you look around the room there are painting and statues for the Italian décor.

I ordered the Baked Lasagna for $17. The lasagna is layered with ground beef, ricotta cheese and a hearty marinara sauce. I like the dish for its flavors and how cheesy it was, I would recommend. One thing that is easily noticeable looking around the table is how big the portions are…go hungry! Conrad ordered, The Don, which is beef tips served with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms in a white wine sauce over a bed of pasta. He highly recommends, as it is his favorite dish on the menu. Another hit was Michelle’s Pasta Con Aragosta and Gameri, which is lobster, shrimp cooked in a cream sauce with asiago cheese and basil over pasta.

After compiling the surveys from the other foodies the pop-we Dinner Club gives Lo Sole Mio: 4.18 star average on a scale of 1-5.

Lo Sole Mio Baked Lasagna entree.

Atmosphere/Decor – 4.41

Cleanliness – 4.5

Wait Staff – 3.9

Menu – 4.25

Food Presentation – 4.33

Food Portions – 4.66

Food Taste – 4.58

Cost (was the cost worth meal?) – 3.66

Noise Level – 3.33

Overall Experience – 4.16

For more information regarding directions or their menu you can go to their website at http://www.losolemio.com/ristorante/index.htm.

Fellow population-we™ readers, if you've been to the Lo Sole Mio leave us a comment and tell us what you thought?

Want to do this yourself? To review how to start your own dinner club, visit our January post about doing just that. Remember it is a template; tweak it to fit you and your friends’ tastes. pop-we Dinner Club: good food…good friends…good times.

-population-we™ blog post by Brian Brown

© 2013 population-we, LLC 
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