UCSB hosts their first ever Regional after winning the Big West tournament championship. Santa Barbara welcomes in west coast opponents Oregon, UCSD, and Fresno State. Here’s a brief overview of each team along with a prediction for who will advance to the Super Regionals.
#1 California-Santa Barbara Gauchos
UCSB looks to make the most of their first hosted Regional to advance to the Supers. They came into the Regional with a 42-12 overall record and only lost four conference games while winning 26. They’ll have tough opponents especially a possible matchup with the Oregon Ducks out of the PAC 12.
Players to Watch | Season Stats
Jessada Brown – .351 BA, .972 OPS, 65 H, 8 HR, 38 RBI
Aaron Parker – .374, 1.091 OPS, 65 H, 11 HR, 50 RBI, .632 SLG
#2 California-San Diego Tritons
The WCC champions enter the Regional in Santa Barbara with a 30-23 record and a 17-13 conference record. Out of the WCC they aren’t the most battle tested team in the nation but their fans should travel well to give them the support they need to try and advance to the Super Regional.
Players to Watch | Season Stats
Emiliano Gonzalez – .317 BA, .878 OPS, 52 H, 10 2B, 6 HR, 46 RBI
#3 Oregon Ducks
Oregon comes in with postseason experience in recent years and a great season out of the PAC 12. They went 19-11 in the conference with a 37-18 overall record. Even more interesting they have a 12-7 record away from home, and their ability to get wins on the road will be crucial here in Santa Barbara
Players to Watch | Season Stats
Drew Cowley – .341 BA, 1.056 OPS, 85 H, 22 2B, 16 HR, 70 RBI
#4 Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State is coming off of a Mountain West Conference championship and a 33-27 overall record. They won’t have to travel far for the Regional and it’ll be interesting to see how they matchup against their in-state opponent UCSB.
Players to Watch | Season Stats
Tommy Hopfe – .357 BA, .996 OPS, 85 H, 18 2B, 7 HR, 45 RBI
Predicted Winner: #3 Oregon Ducks
The power five experience from Oregon may just be too much for the other teams in the Regional to overcome. However with a motivated UCSB team at home, it’ll be interesting to see this Regional play out.
