2021 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

June 27, 2021

Kumar Rocker

Vanderbilt Commodores

Press Conference

Q. Kumar, what does it mean to you to get back here on this stage and the team to get back here on this stage?

KUMAR ROCKER: I think it means a lot for everybody, and especially my class. Those guys have waited two years to play in this spot, and those are my guys I'm excited for.

Q. Not just you but also Jack -- obviously faced Mississippi State earlier in the season. What type of stuff do you learn and what can you take from that when you've already faced a team once and have an idea, a pretty good idea of their hitters and all that?

KUMAR ROCKER: Mississippi State doesn't like to strike out very much.

Q. How did you find out that yesterday's game had been called off and what was your reaction when you heard the news?

KUMAR ROCKER: I heard the news in the hotel room, and I was upset about it. That's pretty much it. I feel sorry for NC State.

Q. Kumar, you're really the one guy on this team that had a significant impact on the team that won the championship two years ago. Over the last two years, did you have doubts or confidence that you could be back in this position today?

KUMAR ROCKER: I had a very open mind about it. You see the pieces in the fall, you see the spring, and the guys know where we're going to end up, and we're here right now.

Q. Last time against State, you threw a complete game. You only allowed one run. That's a really good lineup and a really good team that you beat earlier. I know you're probably a little bit of a different pitcher now. But what do you remember from that outing and what can you take away from that at any time that you end up seeing in this series?

KUMAR ROCKER: Mississippi State doesn't like to strike out a lot.