June 6, 2008

FULLERTON, CA - Postgame quotes from players and coaches following Stanford's 4-3 victory over host Cal State Fullerton in the opener of the 2008 NCAA Baseball Super Regionals at Goodwin Field in Fullerton, CA.

CAL STATE FULLERTON HEAD COACH Dave Serrano
"It was a tough loss. We battled but came up a little short. It's the little things you've got to do. We didn't put the ball on the ground enough. That was a big no run in the fifth. When we get opportunities we have to take advantage of them.

(on Stanford vs. early season): "They got to fastballs with better swings. There's a reason why they are here.

"Our backs are to the wall... that's usually when we come out and do our best.

"Right now we have to win one game. I like our odds because we have played well at Goodwin Field. We're playing for our lives now. We'll be fine."

CAL STATE FULLERTON OUTFIELDER Erik Komatsu
(on Bleich): "He's a pretty good pitcher overall... coming back from an injury. He threw a lot of fastballs. We had too many fly outs.. too many easy outs.

"It's always good to get the first run. We definitely want to jump out ahead."

CAL STATE FULLERTON PITCHER Jeff Kaplan
"My stuff wasn't there. Mechanically I was a little off.

"The home runs came off decent pitches. They put pretty good swings on them. Both were down. I wasn't down enough the whole game and left too many balls up."

STANFORD HEAD COACH MARK MARQUESS
"It was a great college game, a great atmosphere and a great crowd. We got a fabulous pitching performance by Jeremy Bleich. He gave us six strong innings... a phenomenal job for us.

"A couple of big swings was the difference.

(on not bringing in Storen to start the ninth): Inman still had good stuff. He's a good fielder and Brown is a bunter.

STANFORD CATCHER JASON CASTRO
(on being one win away from Omaha) "It's a great feeling to be so close. We're going to keep doing what we've been doing... take it one game at a time."