Postgame Quotes
05/23/2003 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
May 23, 2003
SIU Head Coach Dan Callahan
On Game: "It was obviously a big win. This is what you play for. Every year, we talk about finishing well in the Conference race and playing in the NCAA Tournament. We've given ourselves for the latter. I'm happy for our program."
On beating both SMS and Wichita during 2003 Tournament: "I'm not saying that our program has arrived. The staples in the Valley for the last six-eight years in the regular season have been SMS and Wichita State. I think we're starting to close the gap."
Shortstop P.J. Finigan
On the double steal, his steal of home: "Toby (Barnett) got a good jump off first. I had a good read, and when they threw through, I didn't think they'd get me."
Outfielder Sal Frisella
On the use of the bunt: "At the beginning of the year, we weren't very good at it. We can't rely on the long ball, and we have to play small ball. Everybody on our team has to be prepared to do it. Today, small ball proved to be good."
Starting/Winning Pitcher Josh Joiner
On game: "It was definitely big to have a lead to start the game. They hit balls hard, but our guys made the plays behind me. I did okay until I gave up the grand slam to (Tony) Piazza in the sixth."
Second baseman Greg Andrews
On his homer: "I was ahead 2-0 in the count. I was in the same situation on Wednesday, and got myself out. I got a good swing on the ball and it carried out."
On team's hitting adjustment to SMS pitcher Jeff Gray: "Guys have been seeing the ball better here. Today, we came out and were able to get our best swings."
SMS Head Coach Keith Guttin
On game: "Despite the early deficit, we battled back and still had a chance. We had good swings, and got four runs back in the sixth on (Tony) Piazza's home run. But we weren't able to shut them down in the seventh."
On Tyler Norrick: "He threw against us in Carbondale. He threw 3 2/3 innings of relief and didn't give up a hit. He was tough."
SMS Starting Pitcher Jeff Gray
On his performance: "I really didn't have good control. I kept getting my pitches, curve and fastball, up throughout the game."