2021 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

June 30, 2021

Kumar Rocker

Vanderbilt Commodores

Postgame Press Conference

Mississipi State - 9, Vanderbilt - 0

Q. Just how tough was it today to exit the way that you did, knowing that you're the ultimate competitor? And can you kind of put together what your time has been like here in Nashville?

KUMAR ROCKER: I wouldn't say it was tough at all. I say it just sets it up for the future. And personally left it all out there. And before the season started, I said to myself that I want these young guys to experience exactly what I experienced.

And I came a game short of that. That's part of it.

Q. Just how difficult -- you said the other day they don't like to strike out. Just how difficult is it against a lineup like that where you almost have to be perfect with pitches and defensively in the field?

KUMAR ROCKER: Right. That's what made them Nati Champs. It's a good lineup. They earned it.

Q. You mentioned trying to give some of the younger players the experience that you had, but even though you ultimately didn't win the championship, how valuable do you think that kind of experience is for a young player to be able to make it all the way to the championship series?

KUMAR ROCKER: I think it's huge for them. I think it sets them up for the future, like I said. It just makes them hungrier.

Q. How would you sum up your time at Vanderbilt, your career?

KUMAR ROCKER: Biggest growth period of my life so far. And I dedicate all that to Coach Corbin and the Vanderbilt family.

Q. What will you remember most about it?

KUMAR ROCKER: Showing up to the locker room every day, just hanging out.

Q. If you could go back and tell that kid who pitched the ninth inning against TCU a couple years ago, if you could talk to that kid now, what would you say to him?

KUMAR ROCKER: It's emotional. Came a long way. I'd like to thank everyone around him for how far he's came.