The Virginia Tech Hokies' baseball team wrapped up their annual Fall World Series, Monday, with the Orange team getting their first victory 13-5. The White team took the series, two games-to-one.
Click here for a photo gallery from Sunday's game.
The series was a chance for head coach Pete Hughes and the rest of the coaching staff to evaluate players and gauge where the program is at, so far.
"I saw a team that played with two outs. That's a winning attitude," Hughes said. "We haven't had that in two years. I've seen teams come from behind and we haven't had that either. From that standpoint, I'm very pleased with the World Series."
The players took it as a chance to enjoy the camaraderie.
"We're just out here having fun. It helps us relax," said junior outfielder Steve Bumbry.
The first game of the series, held Saturday after being postponed due to rain, saw the White team come out on top 11-1. Offense was prominent in every game of the Series.
"Offense was the highlight of the World Series," Hughes said. "I think it's the one area where we've considerably improved from last year. I'm not upset with our pitchers when we have great offensive nights because I know our pitchers have ACC stuff. When we are hitting off of them, it makes me feel good going into the season offensively."
The second game of the series saw another White team victory, 9-5, this time in comeback fashion. Down by a run in the sixth, the White team scored four runs to take the lead, showing character Hughes is looking for.
"We got to have guys who are hungry and guys who are ready to play in the ACC," Hughes said. "We have to have a higher standard of play and I think we are ready for that right now."
The third game of the series was a sloppy affair with both teams having a number of wild pitches and walks. The Orange team was able to put up some offensive numbers, including a three-run home run by redshirt junior Steve Domecus.
"I kind of lost my swing during the summer, but I've been working on it all fall and it feels real good now," Domecus said. "I'm trying not to think as much in the batters box and I think its really helping me out."
The White team's attempted comeback came up short, but Bumbry did his part by hitting a two-run homer, his third of the series.
"It's pretty much keeping it simple at the plate, getting ahead of the count, and getting a pitch you can handle," Bumbry said. "Having a clear head when you go up to the batter's box is the most important thing.
The World Series was the last big event for the Hokie baseball team, as the regular season does not begin until February. There still won't be a lull for the team, though.
"It's a lot of work behind the scenes," Bumbry said. "We're working out four times a week with weight training and extra hit sessions."
"This is the time that makes or breaks a team," Domecus said. "If you have a team that's hard-working and dedicated, they will go out and lift weights, run, hit, so when you come back in January, you will hit the ground running and not lose a step."
The Hokies are definitely a hard-working team behind Hughes.
"I think this team can do a lot of things in the ACC this year," Hughes said. "I'm really happy where our program is at right now, and I will continue to work to make it a player in the conference."
The latest trend in college baseball and the MLB has been 'worst to first.' These Hokie players and coaches have something special and they are setting their expectations high. Both Domecus and Bumbry said they want to be in the ACC Championship, and Hughes expects the team to compete at a high level.