2003 NCAA BASEBALL REGIONAL QUOTES
Arizona State 15, New Mexico State 0
Tempe, Ariz. (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
Game Start: 2:00
Game Time Temp: 98?
Game Time: 3:33
Attendance: 2,410
ASU Head Coach Pat Murphy
"I thought we played not to lose for about eight innings. We had some horrible at bats, we are not going to the next round if we play not to lose, we have to play to win. We have played hard all year and we have to trust each other and play to win. Vaughn has really emerged this season as a big game pitcher and has delivered for us when we have needed it. What he did today in his first regional, the whole pitching staff were all unbelievable today. To shut down a team like that, who was playing with nothing to lose, was pretty impressive. We had some good leadership in the dugout today.
On the importance of having a great pitching staff: "That is what makes up a great team, which is why I don't separate pitching from defense from offense. A lot of guys like to talk about what your hitting is doing when your pitching is doing this and it is sort of a standardization of baseball. The truth is, when you talk about one you have to talk about them all. It is a collection of things. Like Beau, he is pitching differently when it is 1-0 instead of 4-0. He has a little more confidence. He is the one who kept us close, that is mental toughness."
On importance of winning today's game: "It was crucial to be in this position. We are in a great position because the position that New Mexico State is in now is very difficult. We have been in that position before in other regionals, they have to come back out now and bounce back from a loss in an hour. UNLV has had the whole day and are coming off a win, it's a big difference."
ASU Pitcher Beau Vaughan
"I felt really good today. Today was the most important game of our season, not just because it is the playoffs but because it was the game today. I had all four pitches working for me today, it felt really good. I could reach into my bag and pick out anything."
On being in the ASU rotation: "Our depth is what really makes us a good staff. We've only had one complete game shutout this year, it is really comforting when we can go into the bullpen and we have relievers that are just as strong as our starters. It makes it a lot easier."
ASU Outfielder Andre Ethier
"The only reason I am in the situation to get to 19 games is because of Vaughn. He put us in a situation to go up there and get quality pitches the whole time. I have made adjustments over the season and I feel more comfortable recognizing what you need to do to be a good batter. I feel confident up there. I know I have to go up there and look for my pitch, I am not worried about my results because I know the guys in front of me and behind me will pick me up no matter what."
ASU Third Baseman Dennis Wyrick
"He was pretty effective, he was changing his speeds fairly well, and he was getting us out on his pitches. I think that we got comfortable and let the game come to us a little more, and you see what happens. We were forcing it throughout our lineup and when we relaxed in the late innings, you can see the results.
"We have guys that can hit line drives, and drive the ball out of the park, like Jeremy West and Andre Ethier and Jeff Larish. So I just tried to do my part and get on base and move guys over."