Extra Innings: Midweek mayhem, steals, and SEC struggles

(Photo credit: Michael Bacilagupi)

By Chris Marler

Random stat of the day: VMI has already swiped 148 bases this season—averaging over five steals per game. The next closest team? Nearly 50 behind at 98.

1. I hate the monarchy, but pray for Queens

It’s bad enough that Queens is 4-22 on the year, but it’s even worse when you consider that half of those were in their opening weekend series against Appalachian State. Since then they’ve gone 2-21. They’re team batting average is .216, they’re slugging percentage is .337, and their on-base percentage is .316. 

They’ve also struck out 252 times this season in just 26 games. If there was ever a time for UGA’s pitching to figure it out and get some confidence it’s today against Queens. 

2. What am I most excited about in the midweek games?

This feels strange to admit, especially since covering the SEC practically requires looking down on any team, coach, or tradition outside the conference. Anyways – RUN THE DAMN BALL. 

Sorry I had to meet quota on that, as well. 

What I’m most excited for and you should be too is watching Ryan Widerman from Western Kentucky. Through 28 games the junior CF is hitting .457 with six HRs, 36 RBIs, and an OPS over 1.300. He has more extra base hits (23) than strikeouts. And, if all that weren’t impressive enough, he’s also stolen 25 bases this year. 

3. Can’t spell desperation without U-S-C

Well, at least Lou Holtz can’t. Regardless, South Carolina is in dangerous waters right now. After starting conference play 1-8 and losing seven straight, the sky is falling in Columbia. Tuesday night is a big, must-win game for the Gamecocks. Paul Mainieri even said so after getting swept against Tennessee. 

Paul Mainieri’s body language from the dugout has been the highlight of this series so far 😂

pic.twitter.com/rJGSGyQuSs

— MoJo (@Tennessee_Mojo) March 30, 2025

Allow me to be the voice of reason, though. Losing seven straight to Arkansas, UNC, and Tennessee shouldn’t have been a surprise. The good news is their next several series are winnable matchups with fellow 1-8 teams like Mississippi State and Texas A&M. 

Regardless, they have to win tonight. Lastly, there was no way we were going to make it through this segment involving Presbyterian without me mentioning that I was a career 1.000 hitter against the Blue Hose. 

Thank you, hold your applause. Back to the dad jokes. 

4. Who’s on upset alert? Vanderbilt 

This isn’t as much of a negative against Vandy as much as it is recognizing that their opponent is much better than the everyone else on the slate tonight. And by a mile. 

The teams schedule for midweek’s in the SEC this Tuesday can only be described as baseball’s version of Bama playing Mercer in Week 13 to rest up for the Iron Bowl. The numbers and records from some of these teams seem so sad, I thought they were my taxes. 

Vanderbilt is coming off getting swept at home by Arkansas for the first time in 20 years. The Hilltoppers are thriving. They’re 25-3 on the year and are top five in the country in WHIP and in batting average at .331.

5. Way too early peak at Omaha

Betonline released their updated odds to win the College World Series. LSU is the new betting favorite. Here’s a look at where every SEC currently stands.

Here are the latest odds on who will win the 2025 College World Series.

LSU is the new betting favorite from @BetOnline_ag

Which team do you think wins it all in Omaha?? pic.twitter.com/e9a8aaP2m6

— Chris Marler (@VernDumbquist) April 1, 2025

Check out more of our SEC coverage.