Jeff: No shortage of arms between LSU and Rice

If you are a big fan of gorilla ball, you might be disappointed with this weekend's Super Regional series between LSU and Rice. The two teams are loaded with pitchers, so expect more games like last Saturday when LSU edged Baylor 3-2 in 10 innings.

Rice has a reputation of having top of the line pitchers, and this year is no exception. The biggest problem they've had this season is staying healthy. Mike Ojala has the most impressive numbers. He's 5-0 with a 1.73 ERA and has 68 strikeouts in 62.1 innings pitched. Ojala has yet to lose a game on the college level as he's a combined 12-0. Ojala had to miss some starts this season because of muscle tightness in his elbow. But he pitched seven innings in Rice's win over Sam Houston State in the regional.

Rice's ace is junior right-hander Ryan Berry. The Humble, Texas, native was the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year in 2007. Last season he was 8-5 with 3.63 and this season Berry has lost only once in eight decisions. That defeat came Saturday when Kansas State upset the Owls 7-6. Berry pitched well, allowing three earned runs in eight innings. Berry also had injury issues, missing five weeks with a shoulder injury.

The Owls also have left-handed starter, which is not good news for LSU. Thirteen of the Tigers' 16 losses have come when left-handers started the game. Southpaw Taylor Wall is 7-5 with a 3.45 ERA. Unlike, Berry and Ojala, Wall has made all his starts, including a stellar performance on Sunday. The freshman from Houston only allowed three hits in a complete game shutout against Kansas State.

While LSU might struggle against Rice's starting pitchers, the bullpen for the Owls looks susceptible. All of their relievers have an ERA over 4.00, including their closer Jordan Rogers. The senior has an 8-3 record with seven saves, but has an ERA of 4.42.

Not sure how Rice Coach Wayne Graham will set up his rotation. But with the series starting on Friday, its likely Graham will throw Ojala or Wall in Game One, since Berry pitched in relief on Monday.