The bad injury luck continues
NC State did what it need to do this weekend, handling Ball State easily over the course of three games, winning 10-2 on Friday, 9-3 yesterday, and 11-3 this afternoon. But the entire series was marred by a serious left leg injury suffered by Josh Hogue on Saturday.
Hogue collided with centerfielder Eli Serrano as both raced for a ball hit into the gap in right; Hogue’s lower left leg took the brunt of it, resulting in a fracture that will require surgery and a four-month recovery. Hogue was in the midst of a solid season, slashing .314/.398/.450 at the dish. It’s yet another tough setback for Elliot Avent’s squad, which already had been missing right fielder Noah Soles for weeks. (Though Soles may return soon.)
The adjusted lineup Sunday saw Luke Nixon take over in right, with Matt Heavner taking his place at second. Serrano, thankfully, appears no worse for wear and was in the starting lineup.
In more positive news, Sunday’s inaugural Victory Over Cancer Game to support pediatric cancer research was a rousing success, with over $50,000 raised. The cause has been championed by Trea Turner and his wife, Kristen, who was on hand with their adorable three-year-old son and Trea’s mom. (I say we get out in front of things and offer the kid a scholarship now.)
Props to everybody who helped put today’s event together.