“But There’s Still Hope” – Head Coach Makes a Bold Statement Despite NC State Baseball Heartbreaking Return to Omaha…

NC State Baseball’s Heartbreaking Return to Omaha – But Hope Remains

It had been 1,085 days since NC State’s disqualification from the College World Series on June 26, 2021, until their return game against Kentucky this Saturday. This game marked the end of a long wait filled with anticipation and a sense of unfinished business for the Wolfpack.

Despite efforts to focus on the present, the weight of their past loomed large as they sought to correct what coach Elliott Avent and his players deemed an unfair disqualification due to COVID-19 protocols.

In their first College World Series game since that fateful event, the Wolfpack experienced a gut-wrenching 10-inning, 5-4 loss to Kentucky. Mitchell Daly’s home run sealed their defeat, leaving NC State’s players dejected and their coach in a daze.

The game was filled with high hopes, especially when NC State took a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning. However, Kentucky equalized in the bottom of the ninth and eventually won in the 10th inning. Coach Avent praised his team for their composure in front of a massive crowd of 25,000, encouraging them to relax and refocus for the next game.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Avent remains optimistic, reminding his team that they only need to win one game at a time to advance. This loss places NC State in a challenging but not impossible position, as teams have previously bounced back from an opening loss to win the championship, like Oregon State in 2018 and 2006, and South Carolina in 2010.

Sam Highfill, who delivered a strong performance despite a shaky start, emphasized the need to clear their minds and be ready for the next game on Monday.

Highfill, one of the four players who experienced the 2021 disqualification, recalled the emotional toll of that event and the team’s determination to seize this second chance.

NC State’s return to the College World Series is a testament to their resilience and desire to finish what they started. The rarity and difficulty of reaching this stage make their current opportunity all the more precious, despite the heartbreak they’ve faced.

Now, with their season on the line, the Wolfpack must rally and fight for another chance to achieve their ultimate goal.