ASU & Gonzaga Post-Game Press Conference
6/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | General
Arizona State Post-Game Press Confernce
Head Coach Tracy Smith
Opening statement
“Well, I’d like to congratulate Gonzaga on a tremendous season. We said coming into today that there would be no second game if we didn’t get a quality performance from someone who hasn’t had many opportunities as of late. It was a great start by Zach [Dixon] to keep our team in it, and we are fighting for a second baseball game. We will try to get our rest and get ready.”
On the team’s late outburst that kept them alive
“It’s what we hoped. We didn’t have to use certain guys and we are fortunate enough to play tonight. Zach [Dixon] did his job and [Ryan] Hingst gave us a strong night. [Eder] Erives is going tonight and we have a good chance to win a baseball game.”
On Brian Serven’s performance on the day and season
“He’s been, from a leadership standpoint, a guy who’s got an understanding. He’s the guy that’s gonna give everything. You can’t be the vocal guy and not back it up through hustle and great plays. I said yesterday we wouldn’t be where we are without him. He’s a very good team player.”
Pitcher Zach Dixon
On how he felt battling the heat
“Pretty good, little different weather with the humidity. I just wanted to throw strikes and let my defense do its thing. It’s a team thing. They picked me up and that’s how it works.”
On what made the difference for him as the game progressed
“Through the first two innings, my pitches weren’t really spot-on. It was more after we scored when I got fired up and my confidence was huge. I started to pound the zone and get outs.”
Gonzaga Post-Game Press Conference
Head Coach Mark Machtolf
Opening statement
“It’s a tough way to end it, of course. We gave ourselves a chance late, but we just didn’t have the offense. We got the start we needed, but didn’t string it together.”
On if the heat affected the team
“I don’t think so. We came out pretty natural. Our kids have been resilient. They had a great pregame and got a run in the first, so it wasn’t like we weren't ready to go. (Wyatt) Mills settled in throwing his off-speed for strikes.”
On how he would sum up the season
“It’s a real difficult time not just because of the loss, but cutting your seniors loose. We had a great schedule and got to play in some great venues. We had some injuries and a case of the flu that kept some guys from traveling, but it’s a great group and we came up just short.”
Pitcher Hunter Wells
On his eight-inning performance
“When I got on the mound, I just wanted to do what I can as a pitcher and throw strikes. I try to go as long as I can. As a pitcher you want a complete game. Every time I came back to the dugout I told my coach I wanted it and he said ‘you got it.’”
On facing Arizona State catcher Brian Serven
“He’s a good hitter, and their three-hitter, so he’s a tough out. You just hope your stuff beats his stuff.”
