2024 College World Series Picks: Tuesday (Kentucky vs. Florida)
Let’s build that bankroll for the remainder of the 2024 College World Series with our best baseball bets for Tuesday, June 18. Here are our top 2024 College World Series picks and predictions for Kentucky vs. Florida.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
2024 College World Series Picks: Tuesday
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Kentucky (-130) at Florida (+100)
- Kentucky: SP – DOMINIC NIMAN (8-4) | 70.2 IP | 6.00 ERA
- Florida: SP – PIERCE COPPOLA (0-4) | 18.2 IP | 9.00 ERA
The run that Kentucky is on has to end at some point. Their supply of magic pixie dust has to be nearly empty.
I am saying this because they keep winning despite having some of the worst stats and metrics of the eight teams in Omaha. Their path to the World Series has been extremely favorable, too. They went undefeated in the Regionals, defeating Western Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana State, and also swept Oregon State in the Super Regional, which was impressive, so kudos on that.
But, once they got to Omaha, things got a bit tougher for the Wildcats. They needed a walkoff win to beat N.C. State, they were no-hit through seven innings in a 5-1 loss last night against Texas A&M and now face a dangerous Gators offense.
Dominic Niman is on the mound for the Wildcats and is making his second start of the postseason. Despite an 8-4 record during the regular season, Niman hasn’t been great over his last five appearances. The lefty is 1-1 with a 10.00 ERA and xFIP of 6.00. Niman did face the Gators once before and got lit up, giving up six runs on seven hits in four innings of work, and I honestly think we see a similar performance.
As for the Gatos, Redshirt Sophomore Pierce Coppola gets the start. Coppola is also making his second postseason appearance and looks to rebound after a tough outing against Nebraska.
When Pierce has taken the mound, it’s usually in a limited role or used as an opener. He has only made it past the third inning twice of his seven starts. But with how things panned out yesterday for the Gators, they may need him to eat a few more innings. The Gators bullpen, led by Brandon Neely, has been incredible but has been relied on too much thus far.
Neely has pitched nearly a quarter of Florida’s innings in this tournament. In 21 innings pitched, he has given up only three runs while striking out 32 with a 1.29 ERA. He is a weapon out of the pen.
The offensive of advantage by the Gators should be the difference in this elimination game. The Wildcats are hitting .255 with a wRC+ 102 over the last 15 games, the lowest among the remaining teams. In fact, Kentucky ranks last in all major offensive categories (Average, wOBA, HRs, and wRC+) among the teams in the CWS.
Meanwhile, the Gators rank much better, led by Superstar Jac Caglione. Florida is second in HRs, 5th in wRC+, and 5th in OPS. If their bullpen can continue their impressive run, they have a great shot at pulling off an upset against Kentucky.
Give me the Gators to live another day and continue their Cinderella Run.
Pick: Florida ML +100
Bonus Pick: The Sunshine State Parlay
Florida ML / FSU ML +260