May 30, 2008

FULLERTON, CA - Quotes from coaches and players following Cal State Fullerton's 11-0 victory over Rider on Friday night at the NCAA Baseball Regionals at Goodwin Field.

CAL STATE FULLERTON HEAD COACH Dave Serrano
"I never imagined that would have been the outcome. I had a lot of confidence in Brian but I knew the criticism I would have taken had it not worked out."

"I was watching the scores from around the country (No. 4s upsetting No. 1s). We - myself and my staff - challenged the team on Tuesday with what the plan was going to be. To be honest, Brian is probably our seventh or eighth guy and we didn't have to scratch any of the guys who have gotten us to this point."

"We saw that he pitched better at LMU when he was in the lineup. He didn't have a chance to think about what he was doing. He's such an analytical guy. Sometimes he would out-think himself."

"Kaplan will start Saturday night against UCLA."

CAL STATE FULLERTON JUNIOR RHP Brian Wilson
"I found out I was starting on Tuesday. I always envisioned pitching a complete game ... I just trusted my defense. Back to starting was fun."

"I like to hit when I pitch. It gets me into a rhythm. I don't sit there thinking about everything."

(on transferring from LMU):
"I believe defense wins championships and I had some friends on this team who told me about the young guys coming in and I thought I could help this team either from the mound or with the bat."

(on his home run):
"At 2-0, I was sitting on a fastball and he threw one right down the middle."

RIDER HEAD COACH BARRY DAVIS
"We knew coming in they were going to do what they did, hit, run, bunt, put the ball in play. They didn't hit EVERY ball hard, but they put it in play. We've got to be able to hit the guy. We had some opportunities early. He pitched a hell of a game. I think we got four of our hits in the first few innings. He was in command of the game."