Not to bead a dead horse, but this series is going to be all about the pitching. Today's matchup is predictably outstanding, with A&M lefthander David Newmann (11-1, 2.98) opposing Rice righthander Ryan Berry (11-2, 2.72). The lefty Newmann, who threw 5.1 good innings to earn the win against Rice back in February, has held opponents to a .216 batting average against in 17 starts this year. With the lefthander on the mound, Rice is starting righthanded hitters Chad Lembeck (.256-1-20, .315 OBP) in the No. 2 spot and has pushed lefthanded hitters Joe Savery and Tyler Henley down to Nos. 6 and 8 in the lineup, respectively. The other platoon-based change is third baseman J.P. Padron in the lineup in the No. 9 spot, with switch-hitting freshman Diego Seastrunk (four errors in the regional) on the bench. That is strictly a platoon thing, not a punishment for Padron.

A number of players from both teams were taken in the MLB draft yesterday and today, so that ought to be one less distraction for the teams ahead of this all-important game. A&M has both speed and power, but the Aggies have struck out a lot more than Rice and has four starters with sub-.400 OBPs. Rice has just one for this game.

At any rate, the atmosphere will be terrific tonight - the game was sold out by early Tuesday morning, and A&M always brings a healthy crowd to Reckling Park - and we hope the competition will be, too. Honestly, I'm tired of talking about this series and ready to see it play out, so let's just let the game speak for itself.