Andrew Vinson talks SEC title, postseason pitching & hosting a regional

Texas A&M pitcher Andrew Vinson

On what was going through his mind when he got called in to pitch in the SEC Tournament championship game against Florida...

"Well, at that time we weren't winning, so my job was to get the boys off as fast as we can and try to get a little momentum going our way. I was lucky enough to do that and get us off the field, and right when I got them off the field they started scoring runs.

"Once they answered the bell back I knew it was on and I knew it was my time to close it."

On the emotions once the Aggies won...

"I tried to get out of the dog pile and make sure I was on top but Ronnie (Gideon) made sure he grabbed me and got me in there. It was priceless. My body was numb. There wasn't much feeling to it but I didn't know where to go besides to hug Michael (Barash). Michael came running out there and gave me a big ol' hug and all of the sudden everyone else was right on top of us, so it was pretty awesome. I've been dreaming for that."

On the importance of the pitching staff going into postseason play...

"We have the staff to do that. At one point in the season everyone has stepped up and answered the bell. We know how deep we are and this is a win that is going to matter. There has been some guys that might not have gotten the chances they thought they should have in the middle of the season, and this is going to be the time for them to step up and show them what they are made of — and I know 1 through 13 we can do that."

On whether his approach on the mound changes in the postseason...

"No, not really. When you get out there it's just getting that next out, and getting that next out every time and get out the next batter. You try to keep your emotions in check and trust the defense and trust Barash behind the plate.

"We've got the best defense in the country and the best catcher in the country. With Childress calling pitches, it just comes down to trust and execution."

On hosting a regional for the second year in a row...

"Last year was awesome. Everyone that was here last year, this is what we have been playing for. To have another feeling like that and to have how loud it was when it was here, they get us through it. I hope the 12th Man will be out and ready for it again."