CWS Finals Game 2

Waking up on Day 2 brought a new wave of energy and determination than before.  The tents and stores around downtown had already begun getting 124 UCLA National Champ shirts in.  The manager told Kristin that if State won the second game, they expected over 800 national champ shirts to be shipped in.  I'm guessing it was in Omaha's best interest for us to win.  Ha!  Since the whole city was covered in maroon.

Millie Janalee couldn't take the pressure.  She knew she better rest up for this game.  She rested while we strolled around the stadium, stopping to eat lunch and check out the festivities.  She woke up in time to enjoy some more fun at the hospitality tent.

We enjoyed our free meal and drinks as we visited and talked about the upcoming game.  Millie Janalee put on a show as she typically does...drawing giggles and smiles from all around.  My parents aren't big fans of my just putting her on the ground to play.  I don't think she ate anything poisonous.  Maybe just a little extra protein and help for her immunity.

"Bulldogs are #1!"

Dustin and I took the stroller back a little earlier this time, so I would be sure to see all the pre-game prep.  And, of course, so Millie Janalee and I could take a picture by the field.  Ha!  It was a steamy 1,000 degrees that day.  Okay.  Maybe I'm exaggerating.  A steamy 918 degrees would be fair.  Poor Millie Janalee was wearing a polyester blend outfit.  But, she was looking good!  Special thanks to my college roommate, Jennifer, for loaning us this precious outfit when Millie Janalee was born!  We got tons of compliments.

We got to our seats with plenty of time to spare and time to play.  This Mama was soaking wet and still dripping.  Thankfully, Auntie Kristin was ready to play, and I had a chance to air out from my trek to the stadium.  Everyone began taking their seats and checking out the mood of both teams.  Some of the nail-biting had already begun.

Susu, Auntie Kristin, Millie Janalee, and Uncie Lee

Pawpaw and Uncie Bucket preparing mentally.

Since we arrived a few minutes early, we were able to visit with a few familiar faces.  Our seats were toward the front, so I guess people saw us as we came in.  Some of Russ's friends came looking for him, old friends from home, and college friends came to visit.

It's like football season.  You just never know who will show up around this crew! 

Sometimes, it's the best place to be!  Especially when you drip ketchup and mustard down the front of your white shirt.  My mother is always there to get a stain out!  And, YES, I bring stained baby clothes to her quite often!  Jimbo was in our wedding, and he had not seen Millie Janalee in a while.  So, Millie Janalee and Jimbo had some lovey time.  He got unexpected cuddles too when the crowd began to cheer.  She was holding on for dear life.  Ha!

The team gathered in the outfield, and the maroon and white cheers filled the stadium.  The players' chants began, and the crowd was behind our Dawgs about as much as the humidity was high...100%!

I've gotta say...it was difficult to watch.  There were some high points...and some could've been high points.  Basically, we had no runs and very few base hits.  They had several.  Millie Janalee looked at me at this point as if to say, "You mean, I dressed in this polyester blend with sweat gathering beneath my eyes, ate my baby food in the stands, and took my naps wrapped in sweaty arms for this?!"  We had a talk, and she ended up deciding that making it to the College World Series Finals was a pretty big deal and worth celebrating!

So the score was painful.  8-0 to be exact.  The announcer kept saying, "UCLA 8, Mississippi State - nothing!"  It would've been nice if he had just used the number 0 instead of "nothing."  But, alas, that's his problem.  Not mine.

Except it annoyed me.

The boys were disappointed.  Tears were shed on the field and in the stands.  The UCLA team was piled on top of one another on the pitcher's mound as our boys' heads hung low.  But, above all the shouts and victory fireworks...one thing rang louder than it all.  The cheers of the State fans who traveled many many miles.  "Even though they couldn't afford it" (according to ESPN). 

"MARRRROOOOOOOON!  WHHHHIIIIIITE!" 

It was the battle cry of this team who fought with all their might to make it this far.  They fell short of the biggest trophy.  But, they represented Mississippi and the SEC well.  With class.  With integrity.  And with the strength of nearly 10,000 fans behind them...and SO MANY more back home.  So, we took home the 2nd place trophy.

Not too bad.  Not bad at all.