The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/503388
68 ■ THE WOLFPACKER with a .313 batting average, hit nine doubles and a triple, scored 50 runs, stole 14 bases, and had a .399 on-base percentage and a .355 slugging percentage. The pitching staff, especially the bullpen, carried much of the load for the Wolfpack that season, but the team's sophomore right fielder was a major factor as well. What's that? Right fielder? Well, yes. Af- ter sitting out with the ACL tear, Williams returned in 2013. As good as Fincher was in center field, Williams was peerless de- fensively. So Fincher slid over to right field to accommodate his senior teammate. The adjustment wasn't easy, but it was definitely the best thing for the team. "It was tough because I'd played every game in center field and I was really getting comfortable there after migrating from short- stop," Fincher said. "In the end, it was right for Brett to play center field. Anyone who's seen the plays he's made knows he's a freak athlete and is really good at that position. I had a great time playing next to him. It was a year I'll never forget. Playing on that team was the most fun I've ever had since I've been playing baseball." Perhaps the high point of NC State's post- season run was the NCAA Super Regional matchup versus Rice. NC State swept the Owls, but had to come from behind in both games. Fincher won the first game with a ninth-inning walk-off single, capping a two- run rally for a 4-3 victory. He went 2 for 7 with a double and two RBI the following Cardinal International Trucks 1526 South Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 832-5871 www.cardinalinternationaltrucks.com Through 41 games this season, Fincher was hitting .305 with 31 runs scored, seven dou- bles, three triples, three homers and 16 RBI. PHOTO BY LARRY BLANKENSHIP