Brian Holiday knew he’d struck out his batter.
The moment the Oklahoma State junior right-handed pitcher released his go-to pitch, the end result was clear. Top of the eighth. Runner on second. Two outs. Moments later, a swinging strikeout from the opposing batter on an elevated fastball.
As Holiday departed the mound, he knew his outing was over. The standing ovation at O’Brate Stadium for OSU’s series-clinching 8-1 win over Central Michigan on Saturday solidified that thought. So, Holiday pointed toward the “Oklahoma State” crest on the chest of his uniform as he neared the home dugout.