University Southern California Trojans
BYU 7, CS Northridge 2
June 02, 2002 | Baseball
June 2, 2002
CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE COACH MIKE BATESOLE
"I'm proud of the kids, especially the seniors. They came in the program when it was on its last legs. It's good to leave something better than when you got there and that is what these kids are doing.
"Their pitcher threw a heckuva game and they swung the bats well. They came at us and were aggressive. We were ready, but they just played better than we did."
CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE FIRST BASEMAN TIM ARROYO
"We fought the best we could but just came up short. BYU played well. That's baseball. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way. Unfortunately, it ends here.
"We got baserunners on and in scoring position, but their pitchers got out of the jams. You have to give them credit. We just couldn't get that one hit through the infield or that ball to fall."
CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE SECOND BASEMAN SHAUN LARKIN
(On playing two consecutive games): "To come out after playing nine innings in the sun, it took its toll on our bodies. You try to stay mentally strong. But when you lose a heartbreaker in the first game like we did, it's that much harder."
BYU COACH VANCE LAW
"We've been in tough situations before. These players know what it takes to get through them. They come back, just like last weekend against San Diego State in the conference tournament. Now, I hope we come out Monday against USC and play the way I think we can and come out on top. Knowing that we played USC the way we did yesterday, where we could have won the game with a clutch hit, helps.
"Stone knows how to pitch. He has just struggled with his control this year. When he throws strikes, he can be very effective.
"Getting off to that quick lead really helped. It built the confidence in our dugout and it was contagious. And it gave our pitchers added confidence."
BYU PITCHER JEFF STONE
"Early on this year, things didn't go my way. I had trouble with my control. But I stuck with it the last couple of weeks and had some good outings. I felt good tonight. My curve worked and I got some key ground balls.
"Our defense is amazing. If we play good defense and throw strikes, things could go our way Monday."
BYU THIRD BASEMAN ROB ITRI
"It'll be a great experience for us (versus USC on Monday). Today's two wins give us a lot of momentum for Monday."
