Chris Lemonis talks late drama for Diamond Dawgs, Pico Kohn and tough wins

For seven innings, it looked like Mississippi State was going to take back-to-back shutout losses, but the Diamond Dawgs found a way.

A three-run eighth inning did the job in a 3-1 victory over Missouri State. Strong pitching an some clutch at bats handed the home team a win and got the series started in a good way.

After the game, head coach Chris Lemonis spoke to the media about his team’s offensive approach, the pitching from both teams and more.

Question: What did you think of how the game played out?

CL: “It felt really good to get the big (hit). Tip your hat to the pitcher – we didn’t know much about him as a young freshman coming in. He throws those high vertical break ball that stays at the top of the zone. I don’t think we’ll see that much vertical break all year. It was kind of like an Ethan Small He was good early, and we weren’t good. I’ll give him credit, but also we have to get better. Pico (Kohn) pitched great, defensively we kept ourselves in the ball game and we got a big hit late.”

Q: Were you guys just happy to see anybody else coming out of their bullpen?

“Early on we built up his pitch count we were striking out so much then he really settled in and started getting some quicker outs. It was really good to get into their bullpen. We get into our bullpen and I think our bullpen pitched great. I think that was probably the difference in the ball game.”

Q: What did you think of Pico?

CL: “I thought he was great. Commands the fastball so well right now and really starting to feel that slider. When you pitch and play really good defense, you have a chance to win every single game. You’ve got to keep fighting and stay in the fight. We’ll get going offensively. We have a really good offense, the last two games just hasn’t felt good. We’ll get them right.”

Q: Why was Luke Dotson the call to pitch the ninth inning?

CL: “They hit a lot of homers they swing (with a launch angle). Luke is vertical ride at the top of the zone so we felt like we could pitch over it a little bit. I think the umpire did the national championship last year and is really good. He was right on and I think Luke was just a bit up trying to get them to chase.”

Q: Lukas Buckner had two hits today. What did you think about him?

CL: “I think we need to take the two hits away because he didn’t get the bunt down. He’s our best bunter and he just got a little excited and got down the line. He’s a good player. He made the great (defensive) play in the seventh with two outs and a runner at second. He made the play up the middle and I thought that was a real rangy play and a tough play. He’s a really good kid, really good player. You’re going to see a lot of Lukas Buckner.”

Q: What was the thought process behind Ross Highfill’s bunt?

CL: “We have a verbal for bunt for hit and he thought he heard it. You’re supposed to see my eyes so he came back and I told him I didn’t say a word. It was kind of a goof up between us and I’ll take the blame for the goof up. It wasn’t planned, he just thought he heard it. Some early season stuff you’ve got to get in just playing but I wasn’t happy.”

Q: What are you seeing from the bullpen that’s making those guys so successful?

CL: “I’m really pleased at the poised. I know that they’ve got the stuff, but getting out there and pitching on the rubber. Luke Dotson closing the game – we all know it’s not easy to do that. He gets the first two easy and then he’s out there fighting his tail off. I think they’re all still learning. Dane (Burns) came out there and did a good job, Chase Hungate has been out there so I’m not worried about his composure, but I thought all of the guys have done a good job.”

Q: We haven’t seen Gavin Black yet. What’s his status?

CL: “He’s good. He just hasn’t had the opportunity yet. He may pitch this weekend so you can see him depending on the game.”

Q: This is a game it felt like you pulled out of the fire. What kind of lessons can you learn in these games?

CL: “I told them afterwards that good teams win late. It’s hard to finish games, especially SEC season, and you’ve got to be in the fight. We talk about being in the fight, competing and getting after it. I think you learn a lot there even though a lot of our hitters would say the first seven innings weren’t very good. You can walk out of here today and build off of it.”