It's really tough, but I try to keep my head high. Some of (my teammates) take it hard and say what if this or what if that. But our hearts were in it 100 percent of the way.

It was nerve-wracking, especially at the end.

It was a curve inside. I got too much of it over the plate.

That wasn't one of my best games. I walked a lot of batters which I never do. I got behind in the count a lot and had to throw a lot of pitches.

He gave me a look that was almost pitying, and when he smiled it was the smile of a vengeful god. "My dear Veronica, I am suprised you have not already learned -- everyone has a capacity for cruelty. Not everyone gets the chance to exercise it.

That morning everything looked like it was alright.