You have your best hitters starting the game and you have a chance to get a quick lead and to set the tone for the game.
ND did this against the Vols in game 1 and the Vols did it in game 2 ( the losing team in game 1 gets to bat first in game 2 regardless of which team is the official home team according to college playoff rules ).
Therefore, it would really be huge if we could smack the Vols in the top half of the first inning today, assuming that there would be a consistency to the rules, and we bat first because we lost yesterday.
Go Irish!
The higher seed gets 1st and 3rd game (if necessary). And you’re right about the first inning. Oklahoma put their best hitter 2nd in the lineup. You add great contact hitters to turn the lineup over in the 8-9 spots and it’s a great recipe. Start fast and crush their hope early.