So with ASU taking on Clemson in the Super Regionals i think we should crusie around baseball news and take a look at some of the stuff going on in regards to the Devils on the Diamond:
- AZ Republic takes a look at all the impact freshman we had this year. There is a reason we got the #1 recruiting class according to baseball america.
- The game against Clemson is SOLD OUT.
- Mitchell Lambson is named a freshman All-American.
- Mike Leake is a finalist for player of the year. Strasburg will take it.
A look at the game:
#2 ASU (47-12) will take on #13 Clemson Tigers (44-20).
Clemson is an interesting team. Their pitching rotation only has three players who threw more than 60 innings, and only two who threw more than 63. Casey Harman is probably their "ace" - 81 innings, 7-3, 3.78 ERA, 85/15 K/BB.
They use a lot of relief pitchers, give hitters lots of different looks, and rely on their depth more than their overall talent in their pitching staff.
Their offense is potent, with three hitters with 12 or more home runs and is anchored by JR 1B Ben Paulsen.
.369avg/.436obp/.627slg/1.063 ops 13 HR, 60 RBI, 32/36 BB/K. Wilson Boyd (.948 OPS), Mike Freeman (.909 OPS), Jeff Schaus (.977 OPS) and Kyle Parker (.811 OPS) all are threats at the plate. They all get on base and show some pop, so it will be important for the pitchers to stay on top of these guys and Kipnis and crew get going against the Clemson Tiger's somewhat weak pitching staff.
I expect us to win, but it should be closer than some people think it will be.