NC State baseball vs Kentucky prediction, odds for College World Series
N.C. State baseball and Kentucky begin the College World Series on Saturday (2 p.m., ESPN) at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
The Wolfpack (38-21) and Wildcats (46-15) are two of eight teams attempting to get to the championship series, which is scheduled for June 22-24. The winner of Saturday’s game will play third-seeded Texas A&M (49-13) or Florida (34-28) on Monday (7 p.m., ESPN).
N.C. State, which is making its fourth College World Series appearance, is in Omaha for the first time since 2021. Kentucky is making its debut at the College World Series. Overall, the Wolfpack is 4-3 against the Wildcats.
COLLEGE WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE: College World Series schedule, bracket, TV info for NC State baseball
JIMMY V: How NC State baseball is channeling Jimmy V all the way to College World Series
Offensively, Kentucky is 47th nationally in runs per game (8.0), 105th in batting average (.287) and 114th in hits (549). The Wolfpack is 92nd in batting average (.289), tied for 60th in runs per game (7.7) and 67th in hits (584).
Kentucky’s pitching and defense are its strengths. The Wildcats are 11th in hits allowed per nine innings (7.93), 52nd in ERA (4.95), 14th in fielding percentage (.980) and 24th in WHIP (1.37).
N.C. State is 51st in hits allowed per nine innings (8.87), 154th in ERA (6.09) and 98th in WHIP (1.53).
Here’s a look at some players to watch, along with prediction and odds for the Wolfpack’s opening game of the College World Series.
Alec Makarewicz, NC State
The Wolfpack third baseman has a .380 batting average, 80 RBIs, 22 home runs, 95 hits and a .744 slugging percentage. He’s been even better in the NCAA Tournament, boosting his batting average to .414. If he stays hot at the plate, the Wolfpack can run with anyone in Omaha.
Sam Highfill, NC State
A player who experienced the Wolfpack’s run to the College World Series in 2021, Highfill has a 7-2 record with a 5.06 ERA. The fifth-year senior has made it to the sixth inning in each of his two postseason starts, allowed three earned runs combined. He'll likely be the starting pitcher on Saturday.
Trey Pooser, Kentucky
A College of Charleston transfer, Pooser has been the Wildcats’ ace. The right-hander has a 7-1 record with a 3.46 ERA. Pooser has lasted seven innings in each of his two postseason starts, allowing one run. There’s a good chance he’ll be Saturday’s starting pitcher.
Nolan McCarthy, Kentucky
The centerfielder is coming off a stellar performance in the super-regional clincher. He scored the go-ahead run against Oregon State, finishing with two hits and two RBIs against the Beavers.
NC State baseball vs. Kentucky prediction in College World Series
NC State 6, Kentucky 5: The Wolfpack keeps finding ways to get it done on the big stage. NC State has faced — and beaten — several top-tier programs throughout the season. Its veterans will keep that trend going in Omaha.
NC State vs. Kentucky odds in 2024 College World Series
Odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds will be updated as they become available.
Spread: N/A
Moneyline: N.C. State (+140), Kentucky (-185)
Over/Under: N/A
College World Series odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Tennessee: +250
Texas A&M: +300
Kentucky: +550
UNC: +750
Florida State: +800
Virginia: +1000
NC State: +1100
Florida: +1500
NC State baseball odds to win 2024 College World Series
Odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds will be updated as they become available.
NC State: +1100
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State vs Kentucky prediction for NCAA baseball College World Series
