We've had a lot of close games recently and we've been battling hard. Every game in the playoffs will be a battle. We all realize this and are aware of how important our success in the playoffs is, not only for us as a team, but for this organization.

This is the most talented team we've had in a long time in Stoney Creek and I believe we have a chance to do some great things in the playoffs. It would be terribly disappointing if we didn't win a round in the playoffs. I think we can accomplish that and more. I think this team has a chance to compete for the championship.

It felt like a loss.

In the past we will be in games and we have a letdown in an inning, we lose focus or we kick it, and we seem to open the door for them. Tonight we got them down and kept them down. I think it might have had a lot to do with who we had on the mound. We finally got Brett back.

My conscience will be very clear if those stations come off (Jan. 1). There has been no contact for several weeks.

I consider this a building block for the Commonwealth Games. It's nice to beat Neethling but I wouldn't have felt any different if he would have beaten me today. What I'm most pleased with today is my start which was a lot better.