March 31, 2010

Recap

Postgame Quotes<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Kansas 7, Missouri State 6

March 31, 2010 – Lawrence, Kan.

Head Coach Ritch Price

On the pitching effort:

“I was really proud of our guys. One of the things you have to do over a 60-game season is find ways to win. Today, we were trying to protect our bullpen with the Texas A&M series that starts tomorrow because of Easter. We were not going to use (Brett) Bochy and we were not going to use (Colton) Murray and try not to use (Travis) Blankenship. We were able to accomplish that and still find a way to win. I was really proud of the way we pitched tonight. We only walked two guys and I could not asked anymore from what those guys gave us.”

On getting everybody’s best effort:

“It’s the first time we have been in this position. Even in 2006, and last year making the NCAA tournament, we have never been in the Top 25 or been rated as high in the preseason polls as we have been (this year). When you go to LSU and win a series every mid-major that comes in here afterwards – it’s the biggest game on their schedule. We are the highest ranked team that (Arkansas)-Little Rock is going to play all year. So we are getting everybody’s best effort, there’s no doubt about it.”

On how the tough opponents prepare the team:

“I’m thrilled about it, I mean the arms that they run out there 88 to 90 (mph), (that’s what) we’re going to see that this weekend. We are not going to see guys pitching at 82 to 84 in our league. It has been two really good midweek contests for us and we are in a pretty good groove offensively right now. Texas A&M has one of the best pitching staffs in the country. We have our hands full this weekend.”

On the strategy for the Texas A&M game:

“I think the first thing for us is that we have to get quality starts from our guys. We won a series last weekend without getting a quality start the whole weekend. If we do not pitch well with our starters, we’ll have very little chance to win with the quality of arms that Texas A&M has going out there. Our guys are capable, we have good solid starting pitching too, and we need those guys to pitch up to their ability.”