2021 College World Series finals Game 1 preview: Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State betting odds, picks, analysis, more

(Vanderbilt Athletics)

Here are the resources you need for Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State on June 28 in Game 1 of the 2021 College World Series finals.

Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State betting odds (via DraftKings)

Run line: Mississippi State +1.5 (-120), Vanderbilt -1.5 (+100)

Over/Under: 7.5

Moneyline: Vanderbilt -190, Mississippi State +160

Projected starting pitchers

Vanderbilt: Jack Leiter (R) 104 IP, 10-4, 2.08 ERA, 0.93 BRIP, 13% FP, 42% K  (123/6-21)

Mississippi State: Christian MacLeod (L)  82 IP, 6-5, 4.61 ERA, 1.37 BRIP, 10% FP. 32% K (35/6-22)

Vanderbilt Analysis 

Read our in-depth College World Series preview for Vanderbilt at this link.

Mississippi State Analysis

Read our in-depth College World Series preview for Mississippi State at this link.

Southeastern 14's Game 1 Pick for Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State

Neither of Monday's starting pitchers (MSU's Christian MacLeod, Vandy's Jack Leiter) had their best moments when they faced the other team's lineups during the regular season. For Leiter, that came on April 24 in Nashville, when the Bulldogs tagged him for four runs (including a pair of home runs) over five innings in a 7-4 win. The previous night, Vandy roughed up MacLeod for four runs in 3 2/3 innings as MSU's lefty couldn't find the strike zone (four walks.)

For Leiter, that came in the midst of the "tired phase" of his season. Soon thereafter he skipped a start for rest, and since, has fired 39 2/3 innings over six starts, posting a 2.04 ERA in those appearances, with 65 strikeouts and 13 walks. He's gone at least six innings in each.

MacLeod has struggled his last four starts, going 16 innings, allowing 20 hits, 20 runs (19 earned), walking eight with 23 strikeouts.

On the other hand, the Commodores aren't hitting, having scored just 20 runs in their last four games, that spanning four CWS games as well as two super regional contests against East Carolina. 

Still, Leiter has essentially been unhittable, and Mississippi State is only hitting .215 in Omaha. Vanderbilt is only hitting .217, so either posting a lot of runs would be surprising. 

With Leiter on the mound, the Commodores are likely the better pick in this game.

Pick: Vanderbilt

Southeastern 14's Best Bet for Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State

Pick: Under 7.5

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