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The Podcast About Division III Baseball

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Episode 25: World Series Preview

May 24, 2018

Welcome to Episode 25 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. This is our World Series preview pod, in which we prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, and statistically for the final eight teams remaining in the 2018 D-III baseball season to battle it out in Appleton. Before we dive into World Series talk, we offer some brief thoughts on last weekend (at 1:33) and some of the most notable story lines from the eight regionals. We also offer another round of important disclaimers (at 7:35) regarding how we talk about the World Series field. Then, we break down each of the eight teams. In order:

  • Oswego State (at 8:41)
    • The Lakers made winning the New England regional look far easier that it should have been. Now back in Appleton for the second straight year, can this squad have more success than their 2-and-Q showing in 2017?
  • Texas-Tyler (at 13:18)
    • The Patriots pulled off the improbable, winning 5 in a row to capture the Central Regional title. They are clearly clicking at the right time; can they ride this hot streak to a national championship?
  • Randolph-Macon (at 18:22)
    • The team we've been touting all year as elite looked appropriately awesome in the regional. Now in the World Series for the very first time, can the Yellow Jackets put it all together and make a serious run?
  • Misericordia (at 23:23)
    • The Cougars stormed back in the Mid-Atlantic Regional to earn their ticket to Appleton, and look to ride that momentum to a strong World Series showing.
  • Concordia-Chicago (at 27:47)
    • The Cardiac Cougars have had their fair share of miracle victories this season, but that shouldn't overshadow how good they can be. A strong coaching staff will look to lead Concordia to a better showing than their 2017 Appleton appearance.
  • Swarthmore (at 32:40)
    • The Garnet loudly proved that their historic regular season was no fluke by knocking off three of the best teams in the country in the blink of an eye. Will they make their next tough task look just as easy? 
  • Wooster (at 37:23)
    • Now finally in a tournament that doesn't involve Wabash, the Fighting Scots will look to ride the nation's best offense and an increasingly impressive pitching staff to its first national title.
  • Texas Lutheran (at 41:15)
    • Our official Team of Destiny, the Bulldogs have two of the best starting pitchers in the country and the offense to support them. 

Then we mention the players we are most excited to watch in Appleton before begrudgingly making our picks for who will be the last team standing (at 47:10). 

Thanks for listening!

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