Weekend 1 Recap + Weekend 2 Preview (Jax Classic, Round Rock, Arlington) | 11.7 College Baseball Podcast

This episode of the 11.7 Podcast serves as a combined Weekend 1 recap, midweek recap, and Weekend 2 preview. They highlight coverage from major opening-week events, including Noah’s on-site recap of the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, where Oklahoma went 3–0 and impressed with two-out hitting, aggressive baserunning, and unexpected power. Noah also spotlights Texas Tech freshman Lincoln Garcia and TCU standouts including Noah Franco (four shutout innings vs Arkansas) and shortstop Lucas Franco, while noting TCU starter Tommy LaPorte will miss his upcoming start. The group discusses Noah’s interview video with Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn and his initial reluctance turning into engagement.

Jack recaps calling Coastal Carolina vs Fairfield, praising Coastal’s student-run broadcast production, the atmosphere in Conway, Coastal’s deep pitching, and the fan reaction to coach Kevin Schnall returning for Game 3. The hosts discuss how Coastal has shifted from being known primarily as an offense-first team to emphasizing pitching development, technology, and live arms. Ben also recaps Mercer’s series win over Troy, pointing to Mercer’s improved pitching development and midweek win over Georgia State, while noting Troy’s 16–1 Game 3 response.

Dimitri’s top Weekend 1 series is Southern Miss vs UC Santa Barbara, emphasizing Jackson Flora’s electric stuff and a dramatic Sunday finish that included defensive miscues, a game-tying ball off the center-field wall, and a walk-off walk. They talk about how rare it is for elite pitchers like Flora (UCSB) and Cam Flukey (Coastal) to remain at non-power-conference programs, and later break news that Flukey will not pitch this weekend (not arm-related). They also discuss UT Rio Grande Valley’s energized home crowds vs Kansas, and Noah and Dimitri debate which opening weekend was most impressive, bringing up Michigan’s wins over Oregon State, Arizona, and Stanford, as well as Michigan State beating Louisville twice at Jim Patterson Stadium.

Players of the week include LSU’s Jake Brown (five home runs through four games), Baylor’s Ty Armstrong (three grand slams in one game), Vanderbilt catcher Colin Barczi (three second-deck home runs in Globe Life Field), and Tennessee’s Blaine Brown (three homers on the weekend, then a midweek start with 94–97 mph). They also mention Florida State’s Myles Bailey’s massive first-pitch home run and the Tallahassee atmosphere.

For Weekend 2 previews, they outline multiple tournaments (including Jacksonville College Baseball Classic, Round Rock Classic, and the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Arlington) and discuss likely storylines for teams like Indiana, UCF, Notre Dame, Southern Miss, Oregon State, Baylor, and Kansas State (including D. Kennedy’s hot start and LASIK note). They finish with the Weekend Series Pick ’Em slate and make selections for: North Carolina at East Carolina; TCU at UCLA; UTRGV at Houston; Dallas Baptist at UTSA; West Virginia at Liberty; and Wright State at Charlotte, while also noting the new team-page updates on the 11.7 website.

00:00 Welcome Back + Weekend 1 Recap Plan (and missed episode apology)