We're hitting much better than I thought one through nine. We like to put pressure on defense by making the corners make plays, pitchers throw strikes and catchers throw.

He was playing both first [base] and pitching. We definitely didn't want to see him leave. He's a nice ballplayer, and he should've just asked to hit. If he were here now, he would've started and been playing everyday. We knew he had potential.

Our schedule is something we're proud of.

Actually, I thought the offense, looking at the tape, played better than the defense,

I thought I had good defense on him. But he got under my arm and made the shot.

I thought our defense in the second half was outstanding. That is the best we have played in a couple of weeks.