March 4, 2011
Recap | Box Score | Photo Gallery 
South Carolina Head Coach Ray Tanner
Opening Statement
It was a great college baseball game. I’m really proud of our team, it was a great win for us. Especially after getting in the hole three runs and being able to battling back. It was a nice outing by our pitching staff. Michael Roth battled his rear end off. Our bullpen kept it going. When they had the three-run lead with Weismann out there, who has been pretty good against us, it wasn’t very encouraging. Brady (Thomas) got us back in it with one swing of the bat and we battled back from there.
On Michael Roth’s performance…
He has a tremendous make-up. There’s no question about it. I know there are bigger stronger guys, and guys that throw harder and better breaking balls. There are a lot of things that he maybe doesn’t have. He has tremendous composure and he will battle. He can make some pitches as well. You always feel like you have a chance with him on the mound. He’s going to do us best to give our team a chance to win. I was extremely proud of his effort tonight.
On the three home runs…
It was great to see; I didn’t expect it. Brady got us back in it and (Christian) Walker hit his a long way. Then (Scott) Wingo gave us some insurance. It doesn’t seem to be a big part of our game right now, but it came up big for us tonight.
On Christian Walker’s offensive start…
He’s a young player, but he’s very mature. He’s level, he works hard in practice, he takes a lot of pride in his offensive prowess, and he knows people are going to pitch him touch. He’s a youngster that has great hand-eye-coordination for someone in the middle of the order. He really doesn’t swing and miss a lot. He’s a very talented young man.
Christian Walker, First Base
On the home run…
I’m definitely off to a good start; a lot better than last year. It’s a long season, a lot of games and a lot of at bats. You can’t take anything for granted and just have to keep working hard.
Brady Thomas, Catcher
On the home run…
I think I was down in the count. It was a well-spotted pitch, I was just able to get a good swing and turn on it to get it out of the park.
Scott Wingo, Second Base
On if the team felt like this was an extension of their victory over Clemson in Omaha…
It’s a new year; (Clemson is) always a good team.
Michael Roth, Pitcher
On shaking off the tough second inning
On the baseball field you have to have a short memory. Once you come in the dugout, you can go through what you did, but you have to forget about it. That’s what I’ve always been taught, if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t still be out there.
On how big winning the first game in the series is…
It’s a great start; we’re not finished by any means. It is great momentum going into tomorrow.
Matt Price, Pitcher
On his closing performance…
I came in there trying to get a ground ball so (Peter) Mooney and (Scott) Wingo can try to turn something. It happened and Mooney makes a good play to get two. In the ninth, I just wanted to get three up, three down, and that happened too.
On the importance of Wingo’s home run in the bottom of the eighth…
It gives me a little breathing room. But you still have to just go out there and do your job.
