Tomas93 said:

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So stupid in the GT game. Bases loaded and can't believe he swung when that pitcher was so stressed I knew he wasn't going to throw a strike at 3-2 for the ballgame. If he sits there and watches it go by they win. Gave that away!

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That inning was over when 9 stepped up to the plate.

I don't mind being a "sunshine guy" (because things are, in fact, actually fine!) and will always be the poster child for choosing to just enjoy things 99% of the time…

That said it would be pretty fun to do an "old takes exposed" from some of these threads this year leading to this point lol. Quick thoughts after driving home:

2021 team will always be special. 2020 is often forgotten and should be talked about significantly more, that was probably EA's best team. 2013 featured arguably the 2 best and maybe most important players in NC State history, certainly post 2000.

This team is unique to those and I think it's why, now that more folks are tuning in (a good thing), there's a different buzz at the ballpark and around the guys. If you look at stats and make judgements you're just going to be wrong. Straight up. I'm not anti analytics by any stretch, but put the calculators down here. State is 13-2 in San Highfill starts. We have 2 guys hitting over .300, Hogue would make 3. No weekend starter has a sub 5 ERA. DRock is over 5, Consiglio right at 5, Dudan at 4.15.

But none of that matters. I watch a ton of college baseball and there's not a pitching staff of teams left that I'd rather have than State's. These guys freaking battle every night and do not get rattled. They've seen the best of the best and beat it consistently and without doubt. The entire season.

Would it be cool to have a Condon, or Honeycutt, or Cannarella etc. Sure. But, man, 1-9 I'm not sure you find a group that is as well rounded as we can run out. Have won games with the long ball. Have won games with small ball. Have won games where we couldn't hit but were all over the base paths because of plate discipline. It's truly remarkable. Oh, and this crew plays some insane defense. Serrano is phenomenal in center. The middle of the infield with Heavner and Butterworth is something special. And Cozart.. what else can be said about him?

Why not us? Run it back here with this team. I encourage folks to look around college baseball tomorrow and pose that question. Nobody left that we can't beat in a BO3 or double elimination. Special group. Thankful to play a small roll in talking about it.