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Post Game Quotes: Vanderbilt vs. Illinois State
June 6, 2010
Vanderbilt University vs. Illinois State University 1B Zack Amrein (on team's play throughout the game) "We played a great game and up until [the home run in the 9th) we were hanging right with them. It is tough to go out like this. You want to go as far as you can and we hoped to make it a little further." (on the team's confidence throughout the game) "Our confidence was high throughout the whole game whether we were down four runs or down one run. We tried to stay the same. We were always loose in the dugout and for the most part we hung with them until the home run when things went downhill." RHP Jim Sajewich (on his longest outing of the year) "I knew if things didn't go our way I would be in there. I didn't expect to throw for three. That's the longest this year. I was ready for it. I knew it was going to eventually come to me sometime. I wanted take the most of my opportunity and I think I did." (on cutting getting within one run) "I thought we had them on the ropes. I thought we were going to deliver them the knock out punch, but things didn't go our way. You know we played hard today, but the stats aren't going to show that it was close. We were all there and we know." (on where he sees the program going) "It can only go up from here. When I came in, we were at the bottom, and we're considered to be on top and contend to compete with Wichita and Creighton at the end of the year. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't." (on being tired at the end) Surprisingly I really didn't think I would, but everyone thought I was. It really wasn't that hot out there compared to other days. That helped me out a little bit." UTIL Anthony Ruffolo (on what he thought happened) "I really don't have a reason. I think we played solid defense all weekend. It was just one of those things. I don't think there was any added pressure. We were the underdog and Vanderbilt was a good team. You can't have that many mistakes and win. That hasn't been the way we have won games this year. It's a little disappointing, but nothing to be ashamed about. Being a senior we've come so far and I've come so far these four years. To see how low the program was to how Coach Kingston has it on the up and up. Hopefully next year we'll win this thing."
(on if he wishes he had another year of eligibility) "Yeah I do. It was a little rough after the game. It's sad seeing all my other seniors too. This team has a bright future and a lot of young guys that will be back next year." (on team character despite the seven errors) "The whole year we just never gave up. We never go away. We always play nine innings. That shows our character and how much we respect Coach Kingston. We never quit on a game. That's only going to get better and better. We'll get better players in the future under Coach Kingston. This program is going to be better than we were this year." (on setting the bar high for the program) "We know that we're good enough to go into Wichita. We took care of business there and that will become an expectation. It's not added pressure. It's just something we know we can do. Going forward I don't see any problem making it back to the regional. The next step is to win the thing. I know its added pressure to win the conference tournament. But you approach it one game at a time like Coach Kingston says and we probably going to end up being here next year."
ILLINOIS STATE COACH MARK KINGSTON: "Certainly, with seven errors and more walks than we usually give up, those things made it hard. (But) until that ninth inning, we were just one hit away with one of the top programs in the nation. Things got away from us in the ninth inning, but we're proud of what was accomplished." (ON JIM SAJEWICH'S RELIEF STINT): "After five long years at Illinois State, he'll be able to remember that his final pitch in a Redbird uniform produced a big double-play that kept us in the game. I'm happy for him and for all five of our seniors. The younger players won't be able to play with them in the future, but they will remember what they contributed." (ON A CHANCE TO TIE THE GAME IN THE 8TH): "We were in a position where we wanted to safety squeeze that (tying) run and go one from there. Unfortunately, (Brett Kay) wasn't able to execute it, but he's a freshman playing in the biggest game of his life and sometimes these things don't happen the way you want."
Vanderbilt Head Coach Tim Corbin On the ninth inning offensive output On the bullpen On the defense On the confidence of his team |
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