The Upper Deck
Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare. If you have videos, GIFs, photos or stories you want us to know about and feature in this space, hit me up on Twitter at @vincelara or email me here.
Adrenaline Rutsch
Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman went all-out on a diving catch to secure a pop-up in the first inning of the Beavers’ game against LSU. Kramer Robertson led off with a single but Rutschman was able to find this ball to get the first out and keep the Tigers off the board. This play paved the way for a quick inning after Antoine Duplantis grounded into a double play on the next pitch.
In case you missed it…
Or, in case you forgot about it…Adley Rutschman's 1st inning catch was MAGICAL! #SCTop10 #CWS pic.twitter.com/MUCUpYYZvz
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 24, 2017
Bombs Away!
Three Athletics rookies had a day to remember in their 10-2 victory over the White Sox. It was the first game in MLB history to to feature three rookies on the same team hitting their inaugural bombs together. Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman, and No. 1 prospect Franklin Barreto all went deep in the first three innings. Olson even went back for more in seventh for his second career home run.
#Athletics' rookies Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman, & Franklin Barreto become the 1st trio of teammates to hit their 1st MLB HR in same game. pic.twitter.com/LDgk04CKhV
— Today in the MLB (@TodayintheMLB) June 24, 2017
Twice as Nice
Michael Papierski did everything he could to lead LSU to the CWS finals on Saturday, including sending two baseballs into the stands at TD Ameritrade Park from both sides of the plate. The switch-hitting catcher started the party in the second inning, hitting a home run to right field that scored three. Then in his next at-bat, he went deep to left for a solo home run, enough to give the Tigers a 5-0 lead.
Michael Papierski did something yesterday no player had done in the previous 1,007 #CWS games… HR from both sides of the plate in 1 game! pic.twitter.com/AjuFa1zPpi
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 25, 2017
Field Day
The LSU-OSU game had more than fierce baseball going on. Little did fans know they’d be treated to a football game and tennis match to boot. Nice sideline catch, Greg Deichmann.
Seriously @LSUfootball… This QB is 4-for-4 with 4 TDs here in Omaha!
What about a tryout?? pic.twitter.com/H0BBBRWTQF
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 24, 2017
Meanwhile, Oregon State preferred to keep things to the court.
A tennis match has broken out in the Oregon State dugout… and it is INTENSE!! #CWS pic.twitter.com/Gl7nnzvM3J
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 24, 2017
Lindor Folklore
Francisco Lindor flashed the leather with this great diving snag. His throw from one knee had just enough juice to get to the first baseman and save a hit. Cleveland’s star saving the day once again.
Frankie gets fancy! pic.twitter.com/pMNkhWaGzQ
— MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2017
Happenings at Baseball America
The College World Series Finals are finally here and it’s a showdown between Florida and LSU. Michael Lananna has the details in his finals preview. Josh Norris illustrated just how crazy minor league games can get in his Bulls/Knights recap. Teddy Cahill wrote on Alex Faedo’s dominant postseason run. Don’t let the Perfect Game Showcase sneak up on you so be sure to read up on potential standouts Brice Turang and Blake Burzell. There are a few small-college players looking for summer jobs on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. What does that mean for their schools’ future?
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