Oregon State baseball has somehow found its way through the loser’s bracket of the College World Series. Three straight victories have enabled us to actually watch them play in Omaha, something that seemed unlikely after we had booked flights, paid for a room, and secured tickets. I was beginning to search for an alternate team to support, should that second loss have happened. Instead, I’m sending a Big Beaver Greeting from TD Ameritrade Park in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. We’ve brought along our bright orange and black rally towels.

We watched yesterday’s game from the edge of our seats at Buffalo Wild Wings, where we typically gather for our Friday “Leadership Luncheons.”. Our server gave us the towels and some posters, left over from the previous game. The young couple sitting next to us were wearing College World Series t-shirts and hats. They had just returned from Omaha where they bought the merchandise, while witnessing that disappointing opening loss and then the much-needed first win. They couldn’t stay in Omaha any longer and miss work, so Wild Wings in Beaverton was their option of choice. It was their go-to, lucky viewing spot during the season, and where they celebrated Wednesday night’s revenge against North Carolina. As it turned out, her brother got the pitching win yesterday against Mississippi State, reinforcing their superstitions about wearing the same clothes, sitting in the same seats, and ordering the same food. I’m sure that’s where they’ll be tonight. She also may be able to help us with tickets for tonight’s game, since the rest of her family is still in Omaha. Regardless, it was great to have a personal connection to the Beaver Nation. We felt like “dam” family!

If the Beavers win tonight, we’ll get to see them play at least two more games, but a loss will send them packing, as has been their tense predicament these last three games. At least, they weren’t already on the way home like four of the seven other competitors, as we were just arriving. Also, with the elimination of top-seed Florida, the later game time will allow us to see the entire re-match against the Mississippi State Bulldogs this evening. Everything in Omaha has gone our way since that opening game set-back. It’s now MSU’s turn to face the pressure of elimination with a loss. Oregon State is used to it, and can hopefully prevail once again.

We got here via Salt Lake City, after a 2:30 a.m. wake-up call. We’ll get our money’s worth no matter what happens on the diamond, but it would be icing on the cake to see three more Beaver victories.If they should lose tonight, it would be like going to a basketball Final Four and not getting to play for the Championship. It’s still quite an experience to simply participate, but not the ultimate objective. Everyone wants to win here, especially Arkansas that has yet to lose a game. They are already in the final game, with only their opponent yet to be determined. Beavers, Hogs, and Bulldogs…Oh My…….AHA.