GAMETHREAD: Oklahoma State (2-1) vs. Arizona (3-1)

When: 2 P.M. CST

Where: T.D. Ameritrade Park, Omaha, Neb.

Where to watch/listen: ESPN2. Listen on KSPI 93.7 or listen online at okstate.com.

Oklahoma State will face off with Arizona for the third time in Omaha. This time, it’s a do-or-die situation for both teams. The winner will advance to the CWS Championship, and the loser goes home. Emotions will run high, and the more focused team should find success.

OSU will start Thomas Hatch, who just a week ago, threw a complete game shutout against UCSB in the opening game of the CWS. The Cowboys will need a similar effort from him, as they’re likely to face Bobby Dalbec. The last time OSU faced Dalbec, he struck out 13 OSU batters and gave up just one run. Dalbec is on three days rest, however, after throwing over 120 pitches in that game, and it hasn’t truly been rest. He’s been in the lineup and playing third base when he’s not pitching.

If OSU can get to Dalbec, then things may get dicey for Arizona. Yesterday, Nathan Bannister left the ballgame in the third inning with an undisclosed arm injury. That forced Arizona to use Cameron Ming in relief. Ming has thrown in every CWS game thus far, but don’t expect to see him today. He threw 79 pitches yesterday, and that should eliminate an arm that OSU has had trouble with. After Ming, the Arizona bullpen is thin. With having played four games in six days, that’s to be expected. However, it’s something that OSU could have an advantage in if Hatch can deliver a solid outing.

OSU will need to improve at the plate if they want a chance at a national title. Through three games in Omaha, the team is batting below .200. That can’t continue today.

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