More on the Oxford Regional

The Clarion Ledger did a pretty good job of breaking down the teams and hitting the high points for the Oxford Regional so I have pasted it below.

On another note several media sources are reporting that Cullan Kight will get a chance to play for the Rebs this weekend. Kight has traveled with the Rebs since mid way through SEC play and has seen minimal playing time. Kight was called upon in the SEC Tournament to pinch hit and drilled one that was about 2 feet or so from going out of the park to continue the Rebs rally in the top of the tenth, but we all know that story. Kight is evidently known for his bat in practice, but has had little opportunity to showcase it in a real game. It should be interesting to see if Bianco gives Kight a chance this weekend.

(Clarion Ledger)
OLE MISS
Seed: No. 1 (37-23 overall, 16-14 SEC)
Coach: Mike Bianco
Top hitters: Jordan Henry (.365, 54 runs, 14 RBIs); Justin Henry (.378, 8 3Bs, 35 RBIs); Zach Miller (.370, 3 HRs, 26 RBIs)

Top pitchers: Will Kline (6-2, 3.68 ERA); Lance Lynn (7-4, 2.77 ERA)

The skinny: Ole Miss' late-game struggles were highlighted in the second SEC Tournament loss to Vanderbilt. Relief pitching, timely hitting remain question marks, but the Rebels boast plenty of NCAA Regional experience.

SOUTHERN MISS
Seed: No. 2 (38-21 overall, 14-10 Conference USA)
Coach: Corky Palmer
Top hitters: Trey Sutton (.368, 18 2Bs, 69 runs); Jody Blount (.326, 33 RBIs, 6 HRs); Brian Dozier (.335, 14 2Bs, 53 runs)

Top pitchers: Ryan Belanger (7-4, 2.63 ERA); Barry Bowden (7-3, 3.12 ERA); David Clark (8-5, 4.69 ERA)

The skinny: Timely hitting disappeared in back-to-back losses that knocked the Golden Eagles from the C-USA Tournament. If the bats come back, USM has enough pitching to threaten. Sutton's return from a knee injury certainly wouldn't hurt the Eagles' chances.

TROY
Seed: No. 3 (34-25 overall, 16-14 Sun Belt)
Coach: Bobby Pierce
Top hitters: Kevin Weidlich (.362, 13 2Bs, 11 HRs, 55 RBIs); Clint Robinson (.359, 18 2Bs, 17 HRs, 69 RBIs); Edgar Ramirez (.338, 16 2Bs, 11 HRs, 44 RBIs)

Top pitchers: Josh Dew (7-2, 2.56 ERA, 10 saves); Craig Snipes (6-5, 5.18 ERA); Joe Hallahan (5-6, 5.66 ERA)

The skinny: The Trojans surprised some by making the field, but a strong schedule and solid RPI earned them a spot. As usual, Troy can swing the bats (.304 team average), and a team 5.78 ERA means it will have to for it to advance.

SAM HOUSTON STATE
Seed: No. 4 (38-22 overall, 18-12 Southland)
Coach: Mark Johnson
Top hitters: Bobby Verbick (.373, 22 2Bs, 13 HRs, 75 RBIs); Karl Krailo (.357, 15 2Bs, 45 RBIs); Keith Stein (.297, 12 2Bs, 48 runs)

Top pitchers: Luke Prihoda (6-3, 1.21 ERA, 17 saves); Jacob Howard (11-5, 2.74 ERA); Jesse Marshall (8-3, 3.58 ERA)

The skinny: The Bearkats are making their first trip to the NCAAs since 1996 after going 4-0 to win the Southland Conference Tournament and earn an automatic berth. Prihoda, who had a win and two saves in the tourney, was the Southland's pitcher of the year.