Joe Saunders Honors Virginia Tech Victims

Joe Saunders wore his old college cap with "VT" written on his cleats, standing on a mound that had "Virginia Tech" scribbled in its dirt Friday night.

The only Hokies' alumnus currently in the big leagues ended his tribute to the 32 victims shot to death on the Virginia Tech campus last Monday by pitching six scoreless innings in the Los Angeles Angels' 8-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

During a moment of silence for them before the game, Saunders seemed near tears. Commissioner Bud Selig had given him special permission to wear the school cap, and Saunders said:

I can't thank him enough for that. I think somebody upstairs was looking after me tonight, and everybody in Blacksburg was looking after me. My heart was out to them.

The lefty gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out one as the Angels ended a six-game losing streak.

There hasn't been a lot of talk about the tragedy around here, mostly because I can't even think about it without tears. It's a sad, unfortunate event that hopefully helps everyone realize the ones close to us are completely irreplaceable.

[Los Angeles Daily News]