2004 NCAA ATLANTA REGIONAL
Game One: Georgia Tech 16, Jacksonville State 3
Post Game Quotes
Jacksonville State Head Coach Jim Case
“Obviously we didn’t get off to a real good start from a pitching and defense standpoint and they swung the bats really well. I thought offensively we battled really hard until the game got out of hand a little bit, I thought we really played. Tech was really good, they swung the bats aggressive.”
Did playing your first time in an NCAA Division I game play a factor tonight? “I think that any time you are on the stage for the first time so to speak, and this is a new stage for us, there’s a chance that that can happen. It was almost like the game was going to fast for us early and we were having a difficult time slowing it down. Tech had a lot to do with that. I thought that they were very good. Winns pitched well all night long and when he made mistakes, they hit them.”
Georgia Tech Head Coach Danny Hall
“We’re very pleased with our start. You’ve got to give Jacksonville STate a lot of credit. They came out very aggressively and hit some balls hard early, but Brian [Burks] really settled in. He did a great job of mixing pitches, hitting his spots and keeping them in check. Scoring the run in the first inning was big for us, and obviously Eric’s home run was a big blow to give us the lead. It seemed like every ball Clifton hit tonight was right on the money. A good start for us, and a pretty clean game after the first couple of innings.
“Eric said it when we got together after the game. He said, Hey the monkey’s off our backs. Obviously last year we did not get off to a good start in the regional here. Winning the first game always gives you momentum, but you have to keep winning to keep the momentum. I was very impressed with Texas Tech’s club today after watching them play, and we know we have a battle on our hands tomorrow.
“It’s fun for me to watch. When they’re looked in like they were, it makes the game feel good, that’s for sure. It keeps everybody happy
Georgia Tech Second Baseman Eric Patterson
“We focus on the things we need to do. Battling at the plate, hitting guys in, hitting guys over and playing good defense. We don’t talk a lot about the other team and what they’re trying to do; we focus on what we’re trying to do.
“I think it was on our minds a little bit but at the same time, last year was last year. You learn from it and you move on.
Georgia Tech Pitcher Brian Burks
“The first two innings, I thought my arm slot was little off and inconsistent and I wasn’t locating my fastball too well. It was kind of like last week in the ACC Tournament when I struggled a little bit in the first two innings. Once I got some consistency with my slot, I started finding the corners a little more. Those first two innings they swung the bat well and definitely made me pay for my mistakes. Credit to our team for fighting back.
Georgia Tech Rightfielder Clifton Remole
“It’s awesome to hit in the lineup. One through nine could be a three-hole hitter. It’s different people stepping up every night. In front of that crowd, it’s always nice to hit.
