NC State HC Elliott Avent, INF Christian Serrano, and LHP Cooper Consigilio met with the media to discuss the 13-6 win against Miami. 

HC Elliott Avent

About the second game of the doubleheader, not avoiding the sweep: how big is that?

It’s big. We thought we had the first one, but we got off to a terrible start and couldn't make plays defensively for Heath Andrews. Next thing you know, they have three runs without really hitting a ball hard; we just didn't make plays. Then we had the big inning, where I think we got an eight or nine spot, and we could have had a couple more, but we left people out there.

We had that unfortunate inning where we started unable to make a play, and then they hit the big home run. We hadn't hit a home run all year, I think, and we finally got one. It was a tough day to play, a tough night, whatever. Both teams were out there for eight hours in tough conditions, unusually cold and damp for this time of year. It almost felt like we were playing in New England or Seattle.

But anyway, Coop was unbelievable. I thought we were going to finish it in seven innings. He was tremendous, and then the guys who came in afterward, well, you saw what I saw. Then Tristan Potts did a great job of finishing up that portion.

What's it been like for you this week to see the way Christian Serrano has stepped up?

I just told the locker room that he's been unbelievable. He probably had only three or four at-bats all year, yet he’s seeing and recognizing pitches better than some guys with two hundred at-bats right now. It's a tribute to him as a player and the hard work he’s put in to be here. I'm really proud of him, but his defense has been most impressive. He’s very steady; he made a big-time play on the backhand. I think it was the first game. He’s been really good for us.

How important was Cooper Consiglio in that? You talked about his efforts today, but how important was that for this team?

I thought he was going to finish it. I looked at him, and he said he was fine. Then J.D. Arteaga emptied his bench. Cooper walked the first guy, and then the next guy wrapped one around the bag. I figured that was enough. Then Aiden Kitchings couldn't throw strikes, and neither could Collins Black. It got messy there at the end.

But they were out there for a long time, and I don't know if players today can keep their focus that long. I don't think focus is a big priority in the new generation.

Were you happy with the reset between games and being able to come out and attack early in the second game?

Yeah, Christian Serrano got us off to a big start with that home run on the breaking ball. That was huge because Rob Evans has been dynamite for them all year. After that comeback win for them in the first game, having him out there, I’m sure they felt really good. Christian got us started, but Cooper was the story.

The first game in Blacksburg after Mikey Ryan got hurt, you didn't start Serrano. What led you to decide he was ready for the ECU game?

He might have been ready then, but Wyatt Peifer was playing so well early in the year when I was platooning him and Sherman Johnson. Peifer is a steady player with hundreds of at-bats in his career across summer leagues and college. I decided to go with the more experienced player who had more opportunities.

When we got home, we practiced for a couple of days and talked about putting Christian Serrano out there to see what he could do. He’s been tremendous.

How impressive is it for you to see a guy come off the bench who hasn't played much all year and step in like that?

It's what baseball is all about. If you put the work in, relax, and focus, good things can happen. We still need to get a couple of other guys going. They are capable, but they have to want it and believe it. Tomorrow night is a big game.

How much do you feel like that motivates other guys: seeing someone step up like that?

I don't know if it motivates them, but it should explain a lot of things to them. If you work hard, focus, and believe in yourself, things can happen. Baseball is a tough game. It can rip your heart out, as it did in that first game, and it can make you doubt yourself. If you doubt yourself, you have no shot.

The guys just have to be able to get through the tough things the game gives them and be the best players they can be. They should see what Christian is doing and understand it. I don't know if it motivates them, but it certainly should help them understand.

INF Christian Serrano

How was your night?

It was cool, especially under the lights, but I’m just glad we got the win.

What has this week been like for you, having three different breakout performances?

It’s cool. It is a testament to the coaches putting me to work and getting me ready to play.

I know Eli McCoy has been tweeting out the videos. Having that legacy and following in his footsteps, how important has he been along the way?

He motivates me every day. I called him this morning because it’s his birthday and told him Happy Birthday. He told me to just be myself and play my hardest. It is a big step in my journey.

How helpful has it been this week to stack positive performances? Did Tuesday help you roll into this weekend?

The double on Tuesday definitely boosted my confidence. It let me relax and play.

Have you spoken to Mikey Ryan this weekend?

I speak to him all the time.

What has his message been?

To stay true to what we do. I have to step up for him. He was a big piece of our lives, and he told me to stay relaxed, stay calm, and just play baseball.

What is the ceiling for this team? Where can you go from here?

I think we can get to Omaha. We just have to stay true to what we do and keep winning.

What are the areas for growth?

Throwing strikes and playing good defense. Our hitting is good; I trust our hitting. We just have to stay locked in.

How much does a week like this validate the decision to come a year early and make this move?

It was a good week for that. It was my dream to come here, and I would rather be here early than spend another year in high school.

Elliott Avent talked highly of your defense. You had a big snag in the first game; how much pride do you take in that aspect of the game?

I take a lot of pride in it. Being a tall shortstop, people sometimes don't want me at the position, but I love playing defense.

Does your range help you out there?

For sure.

Would you rather make a highlight double play or hit a home run? 

Definitely hitting the home run.

LHP Cooper Consiglio

Coop, what are your thoughts on the effort today and how the team reset after game one?

It’s a tough task to play two games in one day, but our focus was excellent. Even though the first game didn't go our way, we found a way to lock into the second one and came out ready to play.

How important was it to have an early lead with Christian Serrano hitting the ball out of the yard?

It helps a lot. It allows me to relax, focus on pounding the zone, and let the defense work.

Your teammates have spoken with respect about the innings you’ve contributed recently. Sometimes you’ve had to take one on the chin, but tonight you delivered. How does it feel to give back to the team like that?

It feels awesome. I felt like I let them down a bit the past couple of weeks, so it feels good to get a win for the team.

What are your thoughts on Christian Serrano’s performance this week?

We love Christian. He’s a great kid and a great ballplayer. I’m happy he’s getting this opportunity. While it’s unfortunate about Mikey Ryan, Christian is stepping up.

As someone who pitched as a freshman, how impressive is it to see him step in and play like a regular after not playing much this year?

It comes down to his preparation. He is always ready whenever his name is called.

What type of mindset does it take when you're struggling but need to provide four or five innings to push through?

You have to trust yourself and stay confident. That is the biggest thing for me, which is remaining confident in my abilities. If I stick to the game plan and execute my pitches, everything will work out for the team.

What worked for you tonight?

Commanding all my pitches and not letting the hitters breathe. I had a few walks I’d like back, but generally, I focused on making them beat me.

Is there room for even more growth?

Absolutely. There is always room for improvement.