Region XVIII tourney capsules

Western Nevada Wildcats

Why they'll win: Except for two Saturdays, the Wildcats have played the most consistent ball since getting into conference play. The pitching staff has been dominant all year all, putting up a 3.17 ERA and holding batters to just a conference-leading .225 batting average.

Why they won't: Their offense has been the polar opposite of their pitching at times. The best example is the Wildcats' record against Eastern Utah. They outscored the Golden Eagles 57-12 in their first series, but only 22-15 the second time around.

Southern Nevada Coyotes

Why they'll win: The Coyotes are capable of beating you with pitching or hitting " and some times both. Three of their hitters are in the conference's top eight in batting average and three pitchers are among the top in ERA.

Why they won't: Inability to win when it matters most. They had a good chance of hosting the conference tourney, but dropped a game to Eastern Utah and two more to Salt Lake to end the season. Backing into the tournament doesn't help get you prepared for a title run.

Southern Idaho Golden Eagles

Why they'll win: Dominant hitting and sure fielding. The Golden Eagles have 524 total bases on the year, that's 42 more than the next team. They also hold the conference's best fielding percentage with a .956 for the entire the season.

Why they won't: 2-6 against WNC and CSN. Like most of the bottom four teams in the conference, they lack the pitching depth to make a deep run in the tournament and will struggle against the top two teams that can go to their 10th option out of the pen.

Salt Lake Bruins

Why they'll win: Capable of holding games tight. In eight losses to WNC this season they have lost only three by more than two runs and forced extra innings in an 8-6 loss. Beat the Coyotes in their final two games of the regular season.

Why they won't: The Bruins have committed nearly as many errors as Colorado Northwestern, the worst fielding team in the conference. Tend to make fielding easier for their opponents, grounding into a conference-leading 12 double plays.

Eastern Utah Golden Eagles

Why they'll win: The Golden Eagles' chances are just better than Colorado Northwestern's but not by much. One of their 12 conference wins was against Southern Nevada.

Why they won't: Their team ERA is a miserable 7.48 and they allowed 257 runs on the year. Additionally they give up the big hit. They are tied for the most doubles allowed (75) and have given up the second-most home runs (19).

Colorado NW Spartans

Why they'll win: After winning just three games in conference play and only seven overall, it's easier to talk about why they won't win.

Why they won't: Records sometimes speak for themselves. The Spartans haven't won a game since April 4, don't have a player hitting better than .250, don't have a pitcher with an ERA under 6.90 and have the worst fielding percentage in the conference (.942). Starting off against Southern Idaho doesn't help matters either.