I don't really like the two-game series because in a three-game series I'm going to get more answers. Only playing two games, I'll get some answers this weekend but I won't get a lot because we really wanted all 12 pitchers to throw.

I'm worried about going into a must-win series without Schmidgall. It would put a lot of pressure on us this weekend. It doesn't only take one of our best bats out of the lineup, but it takes away our lead-off hitter.

I'm seeing really good signs as we head into the biggest series of the season. I feel pretty good about our ball club right about now.

I made the deliberate decision to go recruit big-power offense for this team, we loaded up on those type of players.

I'm going up thinking that it will be a very hostile environment to play at ... it's not a great facility ... but fortunately we've played very well there traditionally.

I want everyone to be hungry; I don't want anyone to take it for granted that they're going to be in the lineup. I think the competition is great and it is going to help push each guy.

It was nice to beat a Big 10 team again. The win against Michigan State is a good morale booster for us going into these next six games before conference starts.

It was nice to come out at home and see a big crowd. People showed up even with construction still going on. I think that definitely was a boost for the guys.

It's hard to find an answer when you hit the ball well all weekend and then you can't hit with runners in scoring position.

It's a little frustrating because we had to make the call pretty early (yesterday). We knew we may have a small window to play from noon to 3 (p.m.), but they had a nine to 10 hour drive back.