Mike Ford Guys Quotations

Baron was under the weather but came out and had a great first half. He got tired in the second half. We just didn't have other guys stepping up and helping him out there offensively. We let our offensive performance affect our defense too much.

I was thinking out loud because I've seen a six-run lead last less than a blink of an eye at this place. It takes a mentality to keep pushing at this field. But these guys have played all season a lot harder than people realize.

You fall back on your experiences, ... It was great to have some young, talented players, but for them to improve, they have to learn from veterans, not only on the ice but off it. Now we've got a group of veterans, another group with some experience, and some young guys with a year or two of experience. This is a better mix.

It was probably more of an emotional win. When you talk to some of these young guys and you see where their heads are, they're looking the right way, they're talking the right way and they battle until the bitter end. To be back at home pitching and get a win on Opening Day with family and friends here, it's special.