CWS Game Preview 6/24/11

via imgs.sfgate.com

One game.  One game is all it takes for Vandy to get sent packing back to Nashville.  One game is all it takes to propel the evil Florida Gators to the CWS Finals.  This is without a doubt the biggest game of Vandy's season...so far.  Of course, if Vandy DOES happen to beat Florida tomorrow, the next game against Florida will be their biggest.  Anyways, it's safe to say that tomorrow's game entails good and bad consequences.  This is the sixth meeting between the two teams this season.  Florida has won 4.  Granted, those aren't good stats; although, nobody thought Vandy would have that easy of a time against UNC either, did they?  

The pitching matchup this game is also an interesting one.  It involves a great Vandy pitcher, Sonny Gray, and the Florida lefty, Alex Panteliodis.  If memory serves correctly, Panteliodis pitched the SEC Championship Game this season against the Dores.  He pitched 5.1 SCORELESS innings and ultimately earned Florida the W.  Seasonwise, Panteliodis went 6-2 with a 3.95 ERA.  This is his 12th start.

Sonny Gray pitched one outing against the Gators this season, notching one ER, two runs, and 4 Ks with 2 hits thrown in their.  He pitched six innings that game (until the game was suspended [weather] ).  He has had a stellar season, amassing a 12-3 record with a 2.12 ERA.  In his 19th start this season, Commodore nation will be hoping he repeats the success.  

All in all, tomorrow's game is extremely important.  I mean, do we REALLY want Florida to have bragging rights till next season?  No.  Do we want to give them the shot at winning a CWS title?  No.  So it's important that the Dores go out there and pull out the same magic and skill they used to beat UNC...twice.

P.S.      For those of you who don't know, Sonny was picked by the A's.  He was picked 18th in the first round.