CWS best bets: UNC vs. Tennessee odds, pick and prediction for Sunday 6/16

OMAHA, Neb. — The victors of Friday’s College World Series opening games are set to share the spotlight during prime time on Father’s Day.

North Carolina took another close game and have won four straight with a run margin of +5 dating back to Regionals against LSU. The late-inning heroics of Vance Honeycutt at the plate were the difference in getting past fellow ACC program Virginia.

On the other side of the bracket, Tennessee was in jeopardy of losing its fifth straight Omaha opener, but an offensive assault against Florida State generated heavy drama.

Christian Moore not only hit for the cycle, but his key double in the ninth inning set the table for Billy Burke to tie the game and Dylan Dreiling to knock in the winning run.

The game's apex came on Burke's at-bat, as he had a controversial check swing with two strikes and two outs.

North Carolina is expected to start Shea Sprague, who averages 4.6 innings per outing. The southpaw played a critical role in the Heels' opening Regional win over LSU but gave up four earned runs in five innings in the Super Regional against West Virginia.

Tennessee will send its best starter in Drew Beam to the mound, as the junior looks to rebound from a quick exit against Evansville. Beam has failed to eclipse 87 pitches in any start May 17, giving up 14 earned runs in his last three appearances.

UNC vs. Tennessee

Betting Picks & Prediction

Tennessee projects at -116 with Beam on the mound against Sprague. North Carolina head coach Scott Forbes indicated that closer Dalton Pence will likely be involved in this game after throwing 29 pitches in the win over Virginia.

"Dalton is Dalton — he's been our horse the whole season," Forbes said. "And the thing I like the most, looking at this box score, is he only threw 29 pitches. So, that horse is going to be back out there most likely on Sunday night."

The Tar Heels also used Matt Poston in relief and have yet to send another lights-out closer in Matthew Matthjis to the mound.

The total projects at 13.1, taking in projected innings for the starters, stoppers and closers, along with ERA, FIP and xFIP.

The wind forecast expects Sunday night to be similar to the afternoon — 20 mph gusts, pushing the ball from right to left field. Balls sent to the left-center gap could have a chance to clear the fence.

Pick: North Carolina +1.5 (-110)