Day one of NCAA regional play is in the books. And what did we learn? Well, first of all, this postseason is going to be a wild ride. Beyond that, we learned many lessons along the way.
The Hot List
1. First-round draft picks on the mound still need run support.
UCLA and Georgia Tech started some big-time talent on the bump, but were punchless in losses to San Francisco (3-0) and Austin Peay (2-1) respectively on their home fields. The Bruins mustered four hits and the Jackets got just seven as both teams struggled mightily at the dish.
2. It doesn't matter if you get a two- or three-seed.
Seeding doesn't mean much this year. In fact, it looks as though the NCAA selection committee could've possibly flip-flopped the order of things because third-seeded teams were a solid 11-5 in matchups vs. two-seeds.
3. The mid-majors are worthy.
Anyone who says that the bottom-rung big-money schools deserve more bids than the mid-majors, well, the scoreboard doesn't lie. In addition to the Governors and Dons above, Creighton took down Georgia, Dallas Baptist beat Oklahoma, Troy blew out Oklahoma State, Stetson escaped NC State and Seton Hall blanked Arizona.
4. Walk-offs are both exciting and painful.
It was white-knuckle city for teams like Stetson and Arizona State. The Hatters got the benefit of an error in the outfield which allowed the winning run to score in the ninth inning to beat NC State 8-7 and the desert Devils got a dramatic three-run yard call from Joey DeMichele to cage a wily New Mexico team by a 4-2 score.
5, There were still many near misses.
For as many upsets as were pulled in games Friday, there were also some teeth-gnashing close calls that could've made it even more of a circus. Princeton out-hit Texas and left the tying run at the plate in a 5-3 loss, Georgia Southern gave South Carolina fits in a one-run game, Arkansas-Little Rock nearly shocked Oregon State, and Bethune-Cookman dropped a one-run close shave at Florida State. Arrrrgh!
Regional superlatives
Who's sitting pretty: Texas A&M
Even without ace John Stilson, the Aggies waltzed past Wright State, got second-seeded Arizona to lose and will face a Seton Hall team that may be emotionally drained. (Word of warning, that Pirate squad could also be wildly inspired.)
Who's behind the 8-ball: The Sooner State and its neighbors.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State both went down in upsets to Dallas Baptist and Troy respectively, and Arkansas floundered in the desert, losing to unsung Charlotte 3-2. All three favorites will now have to burn some quality starters to get back into contention. OU could have the deeper staff of the three, but all are in trouble.
Most interesting Day 2 matchup: Kent State at Texas.
Don't overlook this matchup. All-American Taylor Jungmann is ready to deal some serious heat for the Horns, but the Golden Flashes are a hot team and will counter with a potential first-rounder taking the hill in Andrew Chafin. It's anybody's game.
Tour de force: Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco
The sophomore hurler threw his first career complete game, giving up just four hits and striking out 11 as the Dons beat UCLA for the first time in school history, 3-0.
Best conference performance: Big West
For all the foils of the teams in the West, Irvine crushed Fresno State and Fullerton was able to finally shake a pesky Illinois team to win going away. The Big West goes unbeaten with most amount of comfort.
Eric Sorenson, who runs College Baseball Today, and Walter Villa are regular contributors to ESPN's college baseball coverage. Follow Eric on Twitter: @stitch_head
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