College World Series: Texas coach David Pierce, players preview Game 1 vs. Notre Dame

“Of course it’s great to be back in Omaha. It’s been an interesting road for this team to start as #1 in the country and go on to win 11 consecutive titles. And we have a few veterans, especially in our day-to-day lineup.

“But I think a lot of our young and new players just thought that was the way it was. And we hit the road in March and I think we played 10 out of 11 away. lost one of our starting pitchers at Tanner Witt. We needed the guys to step up.

“And the distractions and frustrations of going from one to 10 to completely eliminate the polls, which the polls are not that important to me, but they become a yardstick for so many people, the media, the fan base and all.

“And it’s a bit devastating for our team, but what impressed us the most is that they didn’t get bogged down in it. And our coaches too. And we never got frustrated to the point that the players or the coaches started pointing fingers or creating animosity between them or each other. We just kept playing.

“We just kept thinking we were going to get better every day. And we did it. And we have strengthened some things in our rotation. We’ve bolstered some things in the bullpen. have been a great defensive team and a very good attacking team and we want to make sure they have the ability to not only hit long balls but also the ability to score in multiple ways. fight to the end.

“And I think it’s a great example of how we do really well at home in our Regional, but going on tour was also a part of the Super, which helped this team keep growing and realizing that they can do whatever they want if they just keep together and keep working. And they did. Back against the wall all the way to Super. Trey hits a big double in the second game of the seventh inning, down by five.

“A lot of teams check it out, start thinking we had a great year, start thinking about the draft, start thinking about other things, but this team never did that. This team just kept playing and creating breaks and creating things. which led them to Omaha. So I’m very proud of them.”

“We broke the record without Ivan. It was really impressive. The record was 81. And they also fell into the pile.

“I really think there are a few things that contribute to this. First, they answered the question, we don’t actually try to hit home runs. And our ultimate goal is to hit the lines in the middle of the field. about them every day they are diamond cutters They try to hit the diamond cutters every day.

“I think when they learn how to use the opposite field break and twist it, they create their own turning path. And this way of turning is the reason. part.

“We also played in some conditions that were either very neutral or we had a little more wind this year which was favorable. So I don’t want to go there because I definitely don’t want to give up on what they did, but we had some other factors that helped that.

“And I truly believe they don’t work every day to hit home runs. You just become a better hitter by doing it. time and you have some power.”

“At first it was hard because not only does he start for us at the weekend, he is one of our best leaders. He has a baseball IQ. He always helps the rookies despite being a sophomore.

“But it gave an opportunity for guys like Lucas Gordon, maybe two or three guys in the bullpen, to step up. And it really helped Lucas become who he is. we are not here.

“But it was hard. The other day I got a photo of him in a striped uniform with a glove and – in his service counter in the living room. And he just sent it to me, like “Coach, I’m with you guys, he’s a guy at heart and soul.

“And they just had to get over it. They needed to move on. And, unfortunately, they did a good job of just moving on.”

“I can just look back and see him hanging around in our dugout, a little unsure and just hoping that he fits into the program and can contribute. As we said earlier, he is just very humble.

“And then I thought he was just a good player. I never expected this to happen. Then you started noticing signs of this as soon as we entered spring. And his power is different. the game starts at 6:30 he’s not a 5:00 guy he’s a gamer and there are guys who have that kind of power that doesn’t equate in the game.

“And he has playing power. He has a knack for staying in baseball like no other.”

“We don’t scout. We’re just rolling out. (Laugh). I’m kidding.

“They are good. They are veterans. They know how to serve. I think that’s the whole point – there are a lot of strong hands right now. A lot of guys throw 95, but they don’t hit the pitch.”

“And I think Coach Link and his staff did a great job just doing the pitching. I think for us it’s just about being ourselves, staying center field in our minds and being in a good place.”

“I am very glad that you mentioned it, because it cannot be overlooked. We have played 67 games. He started 66 of them and played in the 67th.

“He was just as hard as a rock. He is hardy. But he comes from a smart family. Dad is in the big leagues. And his body is very suitable for being a catcher, he is much more flexible than he might seem, and very durable.

“But I think the most important thing I could do with our staff and Silas’ trust is that they really trust that, in the first place, that he knows how to work with every guy and get the most out of them. One guy you have to joke with is on the mound and the other guy is to be kicked in the tail.

“Just by understanding the staff and knowing how to get the most out of them, Silas is great at it. But he is a rock. He’s the backbone of this whole group.”

“100 percent. I don’t think you win championships without adversity. Every team. In 2003, I was with Rice, we were the No. 1 team in the country. anyone as our closer We had the big three.

“You can go all the way back and right now just fighting things because it will either make you better or break you.

“And if it makes you better and you’re talented, then I think you can get back on track. And they just handled it – I think what was most impressive was that no one was pointing fingers, whether I like the way the coach treats them, or they don’t play enough, or…