After the game -- a 15-0 rout by Oregon State for a trip to the College World Series -- Minaker wasn't bitter, or rude -- he looked a little upset, understandably, but didn't shut out reporters. Instead, he reflected on his four years and all that the Cardinal accomplished in his time there.

"It was incredible," Minaker said of his senior season. "The most enjoyable year of my life -- even when we struggled, no one got down. I'm excited to see where this program goes."

Isn't it somewhat of an injustice that a kid like that has to finish his season with a loss? He is an outstanding student-athlete who won't be forgotten by college baseball fans anytime soon.

Fans at this regional also aren't likely to forget the thrashing the Beavs put on the Cardinal tonight. Oregon State tallied 19 hits in the contest to Stanford's five. Tyler Graham, who dealt with injuries all season long after turning down a pro contract last spring to come back to play, went 5-for-6 on the night. Catcher Mitch Canham went 2-for3 with 5 RBIs and Scott Santschi went 2-for-4 with a 2RBI home run.

After the game, OSU coach Pat Casey talked about how for him, the biggest victories came from players. Casey talked about outfielder Cole Gillespie, who had to miss quite a few games because of injuries early in his career, now having two Pac-10 Championship rings and two trips to the World Series. Casey also talked about Graham coming back and said the Oregon State athletic department has clearly done something right if kids want to continue playing in Corvallis. I'm thinking he's right.

Well it wasn't exactly climatic baseball being played here, but the Super Regional was an absolute blast to cover. You would think as a writer I'd be able to describe the championship atmosphere, but I just can't -- it's too incredible to put into words. And if you thought the Super Regional was fun, just wait till the World Series.

"If any coach ever complains about losing a game at the world series, they should get out of coaching," Casey said. "It's the epitome of college baseball and the best sporting event that I've ever been to.

"When I was an assitant at George Fox [University in Newberg, Ore.] I used to watch it on TV and think, 'Can you imagine coaching in that?!'"

Now, for the second year in a row, Casey will get to do just that.

Let's go to Omaha, baby!