Rhett Lowder says there was 'no way' he was sitting out LSU game

In a win-or-go-home game at the College World Series on Thursday night against LSU, Wake Forest ace Rhett Lowder was not going to be denied the ball to start the game. Though the final result didn’t go the way of the Demon Deacons, Lowder did more than enough to give his squad a chance.

After Wake Forest lost to LSU, 2-0, on a walk off home run in extra innings that sent the Tigers to the championship series against Florida, Lowder reflected on getting the start. And the Wake Forest ace was determined, whether his team sank or swam, to give it all he could.

“This might be the last time — it’s going to be hard for me to take this off tonight. But there’s no way I wouldn’t pitch in this game,” Lowder said.

Against LSU, Lowder provided more than enough on the bump to give his squad a shot. He lasted seven innings, throwing 88 pitches to strike out six and allow three hits and two walks while giving up no runs.

It was a necessary effort, given that LSU ace Paul Skenes was matching Lowder and then some — Skenes tossed eight innings of shutout ball himself.

Thinking back, Lowder didn’t have too much to say by way of analyzing his performance. He was just glad he got to go out and play for Wake Forest at least one more time.

“I don’t really know what went into it. I’m grateful just to be able to put this jersey on. So whatever I can do, whenever I can pitch, I’m going to pitch,” Lowder said.

Wake Forest players shared the emotions of season-ending loss

Demon Deacon slugger Brock Wilken revealed the raw emotions of having come up just shy of making a national title series, while also reflecting on how much his team has meant to him over the years.

“It was a tough one there. We kind of just embraced each other and reiterated how much we love one another,” Wilken said postgame. “This is the last time a lot of us will get to put on this jersey. I’m glad I got to do it with two guys to my right and all 30 guys in the dugout.

“Those are my best friends. And I got to go to war with those guys every single day. I’m lucky and proud to say I played for Wake Forest baseball.”