University Southern California Trojans
NCAA Los Angeles Baseball Regional
June 21, 1999 | Baseball
May 29, 1999
USC Coach Mike Gillespie
(on Barry Zito's performance) "He settled down from the fifth to the ninth
inning and left us in a position to get a win if we could scratch and claw
and get one or two runs. We had a couple of big hits and got a break in the
first inning when (Greg) Hanoian scored on a double-play ball they couldn't
complete. We're glad to be in this position.
(on the crowd) "I think, and it's unusual in our experience here, that the crowd had a great impact today. We're in our park, it was largely our people here, and when things started going our way and the place got loud, I don't think there was any question about the fact that it made a difference. We're grateful that we're hosting."
USC junior pitcher Barry Zito
"Unfortunately, I didn't have regional stuff today. I felt decent all week,
but my rhythm was a tick off today. I was unlucky to get it in the
playoffs, but I tried to bear down. The win was the only thing on my mind,
but luckily I got us into the ninth inning with only (having allowed) three
runs. I feel better about this game than when I have my good stuff. It's
easy when you have your good stuff but to battle back when you're off feels
great."
USC junior catcher Eric Munson
"It was a huge help to have a crowd behind you like that. People talk about
East Coast and Southern schools and how great their support is. To get a
regional here and have a crowd like that, I'm definitely grateful that they
came out. It does help.
"(Entering the week) it felt like it was our regional to win. You want to win for your fans. Now we're in the driver's seat and hopefully we can bring it home."
USC junior first baseman Justin Gemoll
(on earning walk that forced in go-ahead run) "The crowd played a big part,
especially in that at bat. The crowd gets in the pitcher's head. It was
definitely in our favor. I was up there thinking that I can't chase in a
situation like that. I've been taught that all year."
Pepperdine Coach Frank Sanchez
"It was a fun game and our kids played hard and well. We were in position
to win that game, just like USC. I think both teams played admirably. We're
still in this thing to win.
"What we had here was exciting. It was good for Los Angeles baseball and the fans got their money's worth.
(On if he thought Ticehurst's bloop single to short left center in the eighth should have been caught) "I did. That ball had a lot of hang time to it. But it fell. That's life.
(On using three pitchers in the eighth) "We were looking for somebody to put out the fire. They'll all get back out there and be fine.
(On USC pitcher Barry Zito) "He has a bright future ahead of him. In the middle innings, he found the curveball. He went through four or five hitters where his curveball was dominating."
Notes:
The crowd of 2,384 today was the largest at Dedeaux Field since the 1991
NCAA West Regional, when 2,887 saw USC defeat Pepperdine, 17-7, on May 25,
1991.
