June 9, 2002
Miami Quotes:
Head Coach Jim Morris: “First of all I want to congratulate South Carolina. I am happy for Ray Tanner and his team. They came out swinging the bat and did a great job of coming back in a tough situation. I’m proud of the way our guys battled back. This has been the toughest season in my 25 year coaching career. I felt like we should have won today and so did our players.
On Pitcher Troy Roberson: “The job that Troy did for us is outstanding in this ball park in particular.”
Second Baseman Javy Rodriguez: “It’s truly a disappointment. We just needed three outs and we were going back to Omaha. It’s truly a disappointment to give up five runs in the ninth inning.”
Pitcher Troy Roberson: “I felt good today…I had good stuff. It’s tough. Six innings is the longest I’ve ever gone.”
South Carolina Quotes:
Head Coach Ray Tanner: “How sweet it is. This is a wonderful occasion for us. These guys worked awfully hard to make this happen. These guys showed you what they’re made of. Our fans stayed with us to the bitter end. We’re delighted to be going to Omaha…and as I always say, anything worth achieving is difficult to attain. I’m so proud of these players up here and of our great fans. Our guys never shut it down. I kept saying ‘Keep the faith’, and these guys made a commitment to do their very best. (In Omaha) I think we have the opportunity to be Cinderella.”
Designated Hitter Trey Dyson: “First of all I want to thank God for letting us win today. I felt really confident up there. I kept my front shoulder in and drew it in there.”
Shortstop Drew Meyer: “We were stuck in the same position the past two years. We played good all the way around and that’s what you have to do to beat Miami.”
(On the wild pitch in his at bat in the 9th inning): “I saw the ball go in between that guys legs and I said, ‘Okay, that works.’
First Baseman Yaron Peters: “I’m happy to start it off and let my boys finish it for me.”
Pitcher John Wesley: “I just wanted to get out there and get it over with as soon as possible. I wanted to throw strikes. I just thought to myself, ‘I am not going to let them win’.”
