Is Wake Forest in Omaha Vulnerable?
It’s been 24 years since the No. 1 overall seed defended its position and won the College World Series in Omaha. Last year, top seed Tennessee didn’t even get to Omaha, falling in the Super Regionals.
But this year, Wake Forest looks pretty close to invincible as it heads to Nebraska following a beatdown of Alabama in the Supers. They’re 5-0 in NCAA tournament play, having outscored George Mason, Maryland and Alabama 75-16. And they’re the only team in the nation that hasn’t lost a three-game series all season, a critical stat in the CWS’ double-elimination format.
What Makes the Demon Deacons So Difficult to Beat?
In short, Wake Forest baseball doesn’t have a weakness. The Demon Deacons hit nine home runs in their 22-5 win over Alabama in the Supers, and Brock Wilken and Nick Kurtz lead a lineup that’s capable of going deep at any time. On the mound, Rhett Lowder hasn’t lost a game all year, going 15-0 with a 1.92 ERA. Josh Hartle and Sean Sullivan finish out a powerful rotation. And the Deacons get on base at a staggering .430 clip, which means those home runs usually score two or three runs, not one.
How Can Someone Beat Wake Forest?
Above all, to defeat Wake Forest in Omaha, a team must keep the ball in the park. Charles Schwab Field plays much longer than Wake’s ballpark, which could turn some home runs into doubles or long fly outs with the right pitcher. Beyond that, beating the Demon Deacons requires patience. You can’t let yourself get knocked out of the game in the first three innings, because the Wake starters will keep their bullpen fresh if there’s no pressure. To beat the Demon Deacons, you have to get into their bullpen and force them to feel the pressure of a tight game.
Even then, it’s not going to be easy. This is a great team playing well, and it’ll take something special to deny them the title.