Everything Justin Parker said after Mississippi State's doubleheader win over Kentucky

So far, so good for Justin Parker leading the Mississippi State baseball team.

The second year pitching coach was promoted to Interim Head Coach on Monday after the abrupt firing of Chris Lemonis. In his role, he’s now led State to a 3-0 record and they already have the series win over Kentucky this weekend.

A doubleheader sweep saw State get a run rule 14-4 win in seven innings game one and then a 6-5 walk off win behind Joe Powell’s bat in game two. After the game, the coach spoke to the media about his team’s big day.

Queston: How did you think your guys navigated the doubleheader today?

JP: “My message before was 18 innings at a minimum. This is what SEC baseball is. You’ve got to ride the waves. When you’re hot, you’ve got to take advantage of it. You can’t carry things over to the second game. Our guys did a great job. It’s historically very tough to sweep doubleheaders because human nature usually allows you to take a step back and be a little more satisfied. Credit our guys, they battled all day. It took a little bit of unique, different finish there at the end, but they just kept playing baseball. They had fun today, they were with each other and they battled.”

Q: Your bullpen has had some tough outings the last two weeks. What was the difference today to get them back on track?

JP: “I think it’s just back to the basics – commanding the ball, controlling counts. We talked lately about elevating the fastball but also pitching to the bottom of the zone. You’ve got to be able to pitch at both height levels and Nate (Williams) did that today, Ryan (McPherson) did that today, Luke (Dotson) always does it. Just one of those things that we needed a little bit of a refresh and it was nice to see those guys get into a rhythm.”

Q: Since you took over, you’re 3-0 with two run rule wins. Have you noticed anything different with the team?

JP: “We’re playing good in all three phases. I’m pleased with how we’re swinging the bats and how we’re defending. Our bullpen has been really good the last couple of days. I haven’t noticed anything different. Our guys are flying around and playing well together.”

Q: You guys did a pretty good job keeping their run game held down. How well did you believe you executed the gameplan?

JP: “It was a priority this week. They create havoc and chaos. The big inning in the first game and the second, I think we handed them a couple of baserunners. If you can make them earn their way on base, I think that’s the recipe. They take advantage of everything. It’s a very unique play style.

“They have a lot of really good athletes that run it and do a great job at it, it’s very well-coached. It just took extra game management. Extra emphasis on picks and holds, breaks and things like that. I thought our pitchers did a really good job of splitting their focus. Pitching and picking  their pitches and high level pitches when they were pitching.”

Q: You have momentum now, but how do you plan on getting the team ready for Sunday and a possible sweep?

JP: “Tonight is just hydrate and rest. I think the energy will take care of itself tomorrow. You should see them in the clubhouse. I’m not really worried about keeping them going at this point, we’ve just got to play good, clean, fundamental baseball.”

Q: This team has lost a lot of games like the first two were playing out. How did it feel to see them come up and find a way to win those?

JP: “It was great. That’s what you hope for, that’s what you teach for and that’s what you coach for, to see those guys have those moments. You put them in position to have success and be a hero in front of this crowd and that’s special. Those are the things we’re rooting for and it was awesome to see us breakthrough.”

Q: Hunter Hines is looking like he’s locked in the last couple of weeks. What has he done to get back on track?

JP: “I think you saw the start of it on Tuesday night when he’s going on the backside gap and willing to go through the six hole. Our inspirational leader in a lot of ways is Noah Sullivan. You watch he handles his at bats and how he battles and wins every pitch and it’s starting to wear off. I think you saw Hunter work a couple of walks in the first game and had two more in the second game. Those are walks that he hasn’t always been willing to take. Those are the things that tell me he’s locked in. When he’s really doing damage on strikes. Of course, the home run is nice, but when he’s laying off pitches and working good counts and willing to take the walk pass the ball to the next guy.”

Q: What do you see from Bryce Chance from a leadership standpoint?

JP: “Just the way he comes to work. It’s lead by example. It’s dedication. He’s sweated a lot for this program and put in a lot of work and he cares more than anybody. His comments on Tuesday night were spot on as far as what we want to do and what we want to accomplish as a team. He embodies those things, it’s not just him sitting up here talking about it. It’s how he prepares and holds his teammates to the same standards. It’s nice to have leaders like that.”

Q: On the at bat from Joe Powell where he was called out, what was the explanation?

JP: “It was a pitch clock violation. I thought he was going to his eyes and trying to get something out of his eyes. They didn’t see it that way so it is what it is.”