March 7, 2008
Recap |
Final Stats
TULANE HEAD COACH Rick Jones
Overall thoughts on the game
"This was just a great pitcher's duel, not only from a starter's role but out of the bullpen. Shooter was just outstanding and their guy was equally that way. We got a timely hit. This (game) is one those that you really enjoy being a part of if you win it. It was just great college baseball."
On what the key to the game was
"We played well defensively. We turned a big double play. Griffin pitched out of two jams and we put pressure on them all night. You win in different ways and tonight we won it with pitching, defense and a timely hit."
On Mason Griffin's performance
"That's why he's in the closer role because a lot of guys would have folded in that position. It was cold, it was hard to hold onto the ball, and the ball just ran out of his hands a couple of times. But boy did he come back and do great."
On the double play to end the eighth
"I thought Dyer on that double play was just electric. Segedin made a really good feed to him, and then he came out and had a lot of life on that throw."
JUNIOR PITCHER Shooter Hunt
On his performance on Friday
"I thought the fastball was really popping and at times when I really had to, I got it over. I kind of lost it a little bit every now and then, but I was able to refocus. Jared played really well, throwing out two or three guys and that helped me out tremendously."
On if he was pumped up knowing who he was matched up against on the mound
"It shouldn't but it definitely creeps in the back of your head. It kind of gets you pumped up when you know the other guy is really good. He pitched very well today, but luckily we were on the winning side."
On if he got worried in the eighth and ninth innings
"There was no doubt in my mind. I've seen Mason throw all fall and all spring. He's just going out there and having some fun. He made it interesting, but we knew he was going to get it in the end."
On how big tonight's win is for the team
"Right now, this win is only as good as we play tomorrow and the rest of the weekend. This game is over, we got the win, but now we have to focus on trying to win the series."
UC IRVINE HEAD COACH MIKE GILLESPIE
Overall thoughts on the game
"It was two really outstanding pitchers. While I'm really pleased with our guy, Shooter Hunt was all he was advertised to be. I thought he was outstanding. He was dominant. They got the execution there with the big hit. It was one of those real good games where they were a little better than we were."
