Fisch Tank: Regional Previews

It was understandable to witness the cheers from Coastal Carolina players, coaches and faithful when USC was announced as a Raleigh, NC seed. I can also understand they want teal to be the dominant color in the stands for a NCAA Regional for the first time.
But what throws me off, is why the Chanticleers wouldn't want to beat the Gamecocks and finally step out from under their shadow. With that being said here are my predictions for the Regional tournaments facing CCU and USC.

Coastal Carolina:
- CCU will host their second NCAA regional in as many years, but it will be their first at their home stadium. They have to be excited for their draw as well, as their stadium probably played a factor in they will face. The small but friendly confines of Watson Stadium is more than likely a primary reason CCU is not hosting South Carolina. Unlike last year when the tournament was held at BB&T Coastal Field, it had plenty of accommodations for the large Clemson contingency of fans. Even with the temporary seating CCU will install for the tournament, Watson Stadium’s capacity will only be 2,500.
- Coastal will face Ivy League Champion Columbia in the opening round. The Lions are one of only three teams to make the tournament posting a losing season record.
*Tournament Players to Watch:
Columbia: Henry Perkins: leads the team in at bats, average .371, and doubles.
Joe Scarlatta: Team leader in starts, his 6.75 ERA is miserable, but his 43 strikeouts are the Lions high.
Alabama: Alex Avila: .339 average, but his 16 HR’s and 61 RBI lead the Crimson Tide
Austin Hyatt: The ace of Alabama’s staff 71 strikeouts, but will allow the long ball.

East Carolina: Corey Kemp: Second on team with a .349 average, Team leader in HR (16), Total bases with 133 and RBI (67)
Seth Maness: The second of the two headed monster, 9-1, 14 games started 2.87 ERA, 77 strikeouts.
Justin Bristow: The ace of the Pirates staff. 8-2, 15 games started with 78 strikeouts, 3.22 ERA

My Prediction: If Coastal can get the pitching, and they demonstrate the power at home that ranks in the top ten in the country. Then next Monday CCU will be gearing up for their first ever Super Regional Tournament appearance.



South Carolina:
- A team loaded with potential, from the plate to the mound and all over the field. Yet the Gamecocks have shown volatility all through the second half of the season. Their bullpen has never been the same since Curtis Johnson went down. Top to bottom this team can flat out hit, probably better than anyone in the country. If they get into a slugfest, they should win but tight ball games could be their downfall with a depleted bullpen.
My Prediction:
South Carolina could have their hands full in the opener against the third seeded 49ers of UNC-Charlotte. The 49ers don’t allow a ton of home runs, and they’re an opportunistic team. Still I don’t see why the Gamecocks won’t play in the regional final. The question is who will they play in the final, I am not sold on the Wolfpack. I could see UNC-Charlotte their believe it or not. But one thing is for sure, Ray Tanner’s boys will be ready that’s why I have South Carolina moving on to the Super Regional.

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