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Texas A&M Super Regional Preview and players to watch

ByMatthew McNairy|
Jun 28, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; General view of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game two of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; General view of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game two of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Davidson pitching

Davidson has one clear ace in Durin Olinger who has a 2.89 ERA and a 9-3 record on the year. He’s a strikeout pitcher that has racked up 90 K’s in 109 innings pitched. The other two starting pitchers, Evan Rodgers and Josh Hudson are not particularly intimidating with a 4.11 and 4.71 ERA respectively and neither strikeouts many batters.

In the bullpen, closer Westin Whitmire does not inspire much fear either with a 4.55 ERA and eleven walks in 27.2 innings. The caveat: Davidson finished their season on a tear winning ten of their last eleven games, largely due to their pitching. The staff had a 3.60 ERA during that span. Overall though, Texas A&M will have the advantage in the pitching department because even if we lose to their ace, Corbin Martin and Stephen Kolek can outperform their two and three starters.

Davidson batting

Davidson is an extremely patient team at the plate. Eight batters have at least 20 walks on the year (in contrast to Texas A&M’s four).  This has resulted in gaining the most walks in the Athletic 10 and the most runs scored in the A10. The batters to watch are Will Robertson (.336 batting average, 18 HRs, 46 RBI) and Brian Fortier (.313/15/53). If Davidson’s offense does not score many runs their team will be in trouble. The Wildcats have lost more than half of their games when they scored between three and five runs.