Notre Dame's Link Jarrett discusses early keys to success against Texas

Notre Dame is off to a fast start in the College World Series, jumping out to a 3-1 lead against Texas in Omaha. The bats have been huge for the Fighting Irish through four innings and head coach Link Jarrett is pleased with what he has seen so far.

Jarrett broke down how Texas pitcher Pete Hansen has been attacking his squad from a pitch sequence perspective, before talking about the crucial bunts both teams have laid down. He pointed out something Notre Dame did differently, saying that’s been the early key to a two-run lead.

“Well, I like the way things are going offensively,” Jarrett said. “We knew coming in we were going to get a lot of strikes. He’s got a good fastball, his slider is good. Now he’s starting to use his curveball, not as many changeups yet but our guys have been on it. The hit and run was big and the little safety. Both teams put down a nice safety.

“I think the difference is (John Michael) Bertrand picked that thing up and got the lead out so then Ivan’s (Melendez) base hit ended up not driving in another run. So if you can just damage control like we’ve done then keep the throttle down offensively, you have a chance.”

Since talking, Notre Dame has been able to add to their lead and is now up 6-1. Texas pitchers have struggled to get out of stressful situations and the Fighting Irish have been able to take advantage.

Opposite of Link Jarrett, David Pierce discusses pitching for Texas

Texas pitcher Pete Hansen gave up a solo shot early in this game to give the Fighting Irish a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. While he had five strikeouts in the top of the fifth inning, the Longhorns currently trail 3-1. “Well he’s got to pitch ahead and use both sides of the plate,” said Pierce. “But he’s competing well. We’ve got to just cut down on their traffic and get some quick outs.“

Pierce decided to pull Hansen out of the game in the top of the fifth inning after he allowed four runs and nine hits (including the solo shot) in 4.1 innings of work.

The Fighting Irish’s ace, John Michael Bertrand has performed very well for his team on the mound this evening thus far and Pierce had good things to say about him. “Well Bertrand is doing a good job of really pitching inside to our right-handers with slider and the fastball, and then occasional changeup,” said Pierce. “So, we’ve got to just work off the middle of the plate and get a good pitch to hit.”