UCLA vs. Stony Brook, College World Series Open Thread: Hey There, Omaha

UCLA is back in Omaha and it feels so good. After making the Championship Series in 2010, the Bruins are back at the College World Series and looking to get the two wins they couldn't get two years ago. Before they can worry about that, though, the Bruins need to take care of business in their bracket to get to that Championship Series. That starts today against Stony Brook, the unlikely, but talented, underdog in Omaha. The Seawolves will certainly have the crowd on their side, and it will be a lively crowd for the College World Series opener, but the Bruins need to get the job done.

UCLA will turn to Adam Plutko in the opener. He's been exceptional of late, even turning in good performances when he isn't on his game, as was the case last week. TD Ameritrade Park is a pitcher's park so all of those fly balls he gives up will play well there.

Opposite Plutko will be Tyler Johnson, the Seawolves' ace who turned in a complete game, one-run, three-hitter last weekend at LSU. He doesn't throw hard and won't wow anyone, but he puts a lot of zeroes on the board. The one good thing for UCLA is that he is right-handed.

The game gets underway at 2 pm and will be televised on ESPN2. Tune in and maybe even do a little eight clap in your living room. Here go the Bruins in Omaha!