The Southeastern 16 crew of Graham Doty, Jay Greeson and Chris Lee break down host Clemson’s draw in an NCAA baseball regional. Topics include:

Clemson’s offense gets on base throughout the lineup, with potential MLB first-round center fielder Cam Cannarella providing a dynamic presence in center field, Dominic Listi (.506 OBP) making for the lineup’s toughest out, and Jacob Jarrell (15 HR) and Collin Priest (12) providing power. Workhorse right-hander Aidan Knaak and ace relievers Lucas Mahlstedt, Jacob McGovern and Reed Garris giving the Tigers aces on the mound.

West Virginia was the Big 12’s regular-season champion, but faded late in the season. Outfielder Kyle West (.354/500/.628, 10 HR) led a balanced offense that stole 105 bases. Griffin Kirn, Jack Kartsonas and Reese Bassinger give the Mountaineers a trio of durable, effective pitchers that give WVU a shot to advance.

Kentucky played nearly everyone competitively and even took a series at Tennessee. The Wildcats' back-end bullpen troubles prevented a better record, but coach Nick Mingione is one of the best on the business and gets a lot out of a lineup that bunts, runs and puts pressure on defenses. Left fielder Cole Hage is a standout, shortstop Tyler Bell turned down Big League money to come to campus and starred as a freshman this year, and weekend starters Nic McCay’s experience and crafty lefty-hander Ben Cleaver make the Wildcats a tough out.

South Carolina Upstate is one of the tournament’s toughest four-seeds, thanks to an offense that hit .319/.422/.530, with slugger Scott Newman (18 HR) leading the way. Ace Amp Phillips makes the Spartans a threat to pull an upset against one of the three Power 4 teams in the regional.