College World Series 2015: TV, Live Stream Schedule and Game Times for Sunday
The opening round of the 2015 College World Series concludes on Sunday with the second pair of games. LSU, the top national seed remaining in the field, takes on TC,U while CSU Fullerton battles the reigning champions from Vanderbilt.
Having survived the Regional and Super Regional rounds, teams are currently taking part in two double-elimination brackets. The schools that emerge from each half of the tournament will meet in a three-game series to determine the national title winner.
Let's check out all of the important details for Sunday's slate. That's followed by a closer look at each contest and predictions for which programs will move one step closer to a championship.
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Sunday CWS Schedule
| 3 p.m. | TCU | LSU | ESPN | WatchESPN |
| 8 p.m. | CSU Fullerton | Vanderbilt | ESPN2 | WatchESPN |
Game Predictions
TCU vs. LSU
After crushing Lehigh in its tournament opener, LSU won four straight games by three runs or fewer to reach the College World Series. Being able to excel in those tight late-game situations is exactly what it takes to win a national title.
TCU took more of a winding road to reach this stage. It lost its second game of the regional round, forcing the Horned Frogs to win three straight just to reach the Super Regionals. Once that was accomplished, their series with Texas A&M went the distance before they prevailed.
Neither side will have its top pitcher, statistically speaking, on the mound to open the CWS. The Tigers will send Jared Poche (9-1, 2.91 ERA) to face off with TCU's Preston Morrison (11-3, 2.55 ERA).
The difference will likely be LSU's dynamic offense. The Tigers feature eight hitters with batting averages over .300, four players with at least 20 steals and three with at least nine homers. TCU can't match that type of depth and versatility at the plate.
Carlos A. Mendez of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes the two offenses do share one distinction:
Those scoring streaks are likely to continue for both sides. That said, the pressure falls on Morrison to put together one of his best starts of the campaign to limit the damage. If he can keep Alex Bregman, Andrew Stevenson and Co. from putting together one big inning, TCU will have a chance.
The Tigers are the more well-rounded team, however, and without either side holding a clear edge on the mound, they should advance in the winners' bracket.
Prediction: 6-4 LSU
CSU Fullerton vs. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt had never reached the College World Series before 2011. Now the Commodores have made the trip to Omaha three times in the past five seasons. Winning back-to-back championships would establish the school as a college baseball superpower.
The program has gone a long way in boosting the school's sports presence. Adam Sparks of the Tennessean passed along comments from slugger Zander Wiel about the impact.
"We're kind of the small school in the SEC," Wiel said. "To see more national exposure and kids here wearing Vandy stuff, it's a great feeling. It lets you know that we had a big part in giving our school more attention."
Vandy starts its run toward a second straight title with its ace, Carson Fulmer (13-2, 1.82 ERA), toeing the rubber. Fullerton will counter its own go-to starter, Thomas Eshelman (8-5, 1.58 ERA).
One player the Titans can't match is Dansby Swanson. The first overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft is having an outstanding season for the Commodores. He's hitting .350 with 16 stolen bases and 15 home runs and will need to lead the charge if they're going to repeat.
Fullerton doesn't have much star power on offense, but the group does a nice job of getting on base to keep the line moving. Davi Olmedo-Barrera is the only player who's displayed any form of consistent pop with 10 homers.
Fulmer, who's racked up 152 strikeouts in 114 innings, should be able to attack that type of lineup, though. Add in the Commodores' success on the big stage over the past few years, and they should be able to start the College World series on a high note.
Prediction: 5-2 Vanderbilt
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