University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Postgame Quotes: UC Irvine 12, Fresno State 6
June 4, 2011
NCAA Baseball - Los Angeles Regional
June 3, 2011
UC Irvine 12, Fresno State 6
Post-Game Quotes - Game One
UC Irvine Head Coach Mike Gillespie
"I don't think anyone gets style points for today, but this was a very important win, obviously. I think we are fully aware of the fact that we got three really huge breaks in the first inning. Then Jordan (Leyland) was able to really exploit the opportunities we got, mixed in with other hard-hit base hits. Then as the game went on, we got other big hits and some soft hits, then some other big hits, & Matt (Summers) grinded it out and battled through it, so we're glad to be 1-0."
(On a strategy in facing Greg Gonzalez): "There was no magical formula in way of a game plan. We felt coming in we expected to find that he'd be at the level of real good pitchers we've faced both in the conference and out of the conference. We knew we'd see a firm fastball and command of the breaking ball in the mix. Clearly for us it's being on balance and being disciplined enough so you're not chasing his pitch. And when you get yours, put a good swing on it. I think for most part, that's what our guys did do."
"We had 15 hits, and among those, 9-10 of those were hit on the screws. So I think that several times we came up big with balls that were hit hard. In truth, all coaches at all levels preach that you don't give them extra outs or extra opportunities, and we got those, for which we're eternally grateful. But to our guys' credit, we took advantage of it." (On the team's offense today): "I think anybody's pleased when you get those kind of key at-bats, including a really good money bunt by Ronnie (Shaeffer). Everyone on our club knows that it has to be different guys every day and every guy down the lineup that steps up at some point. Today, at almost every spot in the lineup, we had a good day. We had production from just about everyone in the lineup."
UC Irvine pitcher Matt Summers:
(On getting run support early): "It felt good. In the first inning, I got behind on the first guy, but I got into a rhythm in my attacking zone and got ahead. I made some pitches when I needed to and had a lot of run support, which helped out a lot. It definitely helps, especially coming into a game that's my first start in a regional. To have our guys coming up with five runs, I felt really good about that. It really helped me out and helped me know they have my back and that I've got this."
(On coming back after throwing a no-hitter in his last start): "I was really excited about the playoffs. What happened was fantastic for me, but that's not what I was thinking about. I just wanted to get the win. The first win is really important for us, so I was happy about that."
(On nerves): "I was definitely a little nervous, but I didn't feel that bad after we got those five runs. There are always nerves there."
UC Irvine Outfielder Jordan Leyland:
(On his first inning home run): "I was just looking for a pitch to drive. And I hit a fastball well enough for it to go out. I thought he caught it at first, and then I saw it drop over the fence. It was a good moment. It definitely fired us up."
(On hitting well at Jackie Robinson Stadium): "I had one here last year, but this was my first one here this year. I got a nice pitch to drive. I've been known to have power that way, and luckily I was able to go that way. I felt good and I felt confident in box. I was comfortable, got a couple of pitches to drive and was able to get it out of the park."
(On if the team is peaking at the right time): "Absolutely. It's been a tough season for me to play. I've been up and down, changing my stance. Towards the end I got a comfortable stance I liked. I do feel like I'm peaking at the right moment, and I'm hoping to carry it further."
(On nerves): "I was more amped-up than nervous. This is the regional playoffs, you're playing to get to Omaha, and it could be your last couple of games. It was a good adrenaline rush."
UC Irvine Catcher Ronnie Shaeffer:
"I came out a little excited. It showed a bit in the first inning. I tried to settle down and eventually got locked in."
(On playing at Jackie Robinson Stadium): "We've been here quite a bit; we play here at least once a year. I'd say we're comfortable with the park. The biggest thing is comfort level - not as much as a home game, but we felt good coming in."
Fresno State head coach Mike Batesole:
"That was not how we wanted to start the game. We're going to come out more aggressively tomorrow. The mistakes we made on defense changed our plan a little. You have to take chances once you get behind. You always like to play with a lead and score first, but obviously we didn't get it done. You have to give Irvine credit for taking advantage of the mistakes we made."
"I'd like to see us come out be a bit neater tomorrow. Our defense got away from us a bit today."
"Defensively, if we make some plays, that doesn't happen. The pitch count got driven up, and we had to get 4-5 outs a couple of times."
(On Greg Gonzalez's nerves): "He threw the ball great. He wasn't nervous. Our guys have to make plays behind him. I didn't see him with nerves out there. He had to throw more pitches than he should have. We were not as neat and clean on defense as we should have been. When you throw more pitches, the other team sees more pitches. It's not on him." "We've lost games before. We know how to answer back."
Fresno State Pitcher Greg Gonzalez:
"Things did not go the way we wanted, but from my perspective, I'm proud of my teammates. They got down early and fought the whole way down to the last swing. I couldn't be more proud. We didn't execute the way wanted to, but we've got another game tomorrow, and we will execute then. We're still a dangerous team in this."
"I didn't execute the way I had most of the year, and it hurt us, but hopefully I get another chance out here this weekend."
(On the errors behind him): "We're taught as pitchers to deal with these sorts of things. I have so much confidence in the defense, so if they make an error I'm not afraid."
Fresno State Infielder Garret Weber:
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It's all about adjusting."