May 31, 2002
2002 NCAA Baseball Regional
Friday – May 31, 2002
Columbia, S.C.
Virginia Commonwealth Quotes:
Head Coach Paul Keyes: “You have to give Carolina a lot of credit. That’s why you play hard and that’s why they are hosting this Regional. They play very well in this ballpark and it was evident today. They hit our pitches and played a fine game. It’s really hard to get into the loser’s bracket and come back, but that’s what we are going to have to do now.”
Starting Pitcher Davy Martin: “I was just trying to battle through the game. I did not really have my good stuff and I knew that it was just a matter of time before they hit me. I was just trying to keep it off as long as I could. They got some big hits, and with Carolina, if you make a mistake, everyone in the lineup can burn you.”
South Carolina Quotes:
Head Coach Ray Tanner: “We are very happy to be able to win the game and advance. I knew VCU was going to be difficult. I was glad to see some balls fly. We had a couple of big homeruns and we were able to win. Gary bell settled in and enabled us to win. VCU is a regional team and we did not expect it to be an easy finish. It’s obvious that you want to stay undefeated going into Sunday if you can.”
Pitcher Gary Bell: “I didn’t have my great stuff but I went out there and gave my team a chance to win. I wish I could have that ninth inning back but that’s how baseball goes.”
Second Baseman Yaron Peters: (On his homerun) “Basically, he (Davy Martin) wasn’t challenging me early in the count but he threw it over the plate and I got extended and hit it well.”
“Starting off good is a positive thing. You don’t want to go into a tournament and lose the first game. We have reached our first goal.”
