TAMPA – On March 13, University of South Florida shortstop Sam Mende was hit in the face with a pitch in face which fractured the sophomores jaw.

Although Mende did not leave the game and played in game two of the double header against Eastern Illinois, he had to have his jaw wired shut the following week.

Due to the injury, Mende missed six games but returned ahead of schedule for the Notre Dame Series, where he was in the Bulls' line-up as the designated hitter. But did so with his jaw wired shut.

Mende then returned to the field on April 1 for the Bulls' series in Cincinnati. In all, Mende played in 11 games with his mouth wired shut.|

This past Monday, BullsVision's Joel Godett tagged along with Mende as he got his jaw unwired and talks with Mende and chronicles his first meal in over four weeks.