SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

May 25, 2021

Doug Nikhazy

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium

Mississippi Rebels

Postgame Press Conference

Mississippi 7, Auburn 4

THE MODERATOR: Doug, if you don't mind, just open it up with a quick statement, recap the game itself, and we'll open up the floor for questions for you.

DOUG NIKHAZY: Yeah, it was one of those games where it was won on both sides of the ball. Our offense came out and did a really good job, set the tone early, and was able to get some runs back when Bliss put that really good swing on the ball off of me. Of course, our offense continues to prevail and be the best in the SEC.

I think they came back later and continued to battle, made it really tough on all the guys that they brought in. Taylor Broadway in the end closed the door and done what he's done all year, so just an all around great day.

Q. After the first home run that was hit off of you, what were your thoughts? Obviously, you settled in and retired the next 14 straight batters, so talk to us a little bit about that.

DOUG NIKHAZY: Obviously, he's an extremely talented hitter, and I think I just threw the wrong pitch there. It looked like he was sitting on it, really ready for it. The mindset after that, I think it just gives you a lot more motivation to go after the next guys. I already had a lot to play for, but especially when the first guy puts a great swing like that on it, it just locks you in more and makes you more ready to go. So just a little more motivation.

Q. You were starting on short rest. How did you feel out there, and is this typically your bullpen day? So it wasn't that big of an adjustment. What's your process on these days?

DOUG NIKHAZY: I felt fantastic, and I think the conversation that me and Coach B had is I would go if I felt good. It was just a great situation where I came out and felt good every single day this week. I really wanted the ball today, and I was happy that Coach gave me the opportunity for that today.

Yeah, today would have typically been my bullpen day if I was to go on a Thursday on a seven-day, so it was really fluid and worked out really well.

Q. What did you see from Taylor out there tonight, 2 1/3 innings. You referenced him earlier, but what did you see?

DOUG NIKHAZY: He's just a fantastic pitcher. He continues to mix it up and make it really tough on hitters. He's one of those stoppers in the SEC that doesn't get talked about enough. I think, as the season continues, you're going to continue to see him just have these lockdown innings. It seems, whenever he comes in the game, the Rebels are going to win. Just another fantastic start and what a great guy for it to happen to.