2021 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

June 25, 2021

Chris Lemonis

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Postgame Press Conference

Texas - 8, Mississippi State - 5

COACH LEMONIS: Long night at the ballpark. Rain delay. We don't throw enough strikes. I think we walked 11 guys tonight. It's hard to beat anybody when you walk 11 guys. And you've got to tip your heart to their starter. I thought he did a really good job.

We had a great eighth inning to get back in the game. We've just got to make sure -- got to throw strikes, we've got to compete in the zone. I think that's where we fell short a little bit tonight.

Q. I know you talked a lot before about how you guys have the ability to handle a punch. I'm going to guess there isn't any group in the country that you'd rather have to try to bounce back in a winner-take-all game than this group?

COACH LEMONIS: Definitely. We took a punch there in the top of the ninth and our kids came out of the rain delay and they were ready to play. They felt like they could win the game then. And I'm sure they're going to go to bed tonight and feel confident to play a great game tomorrow.

We've been in this spot a lot. It's just been a lot. We have responded. We're going to have to beat a good team tomorrow. But we're looking forward to the challenge.

Q. Can you confirm it will be Will Bednar? Is he ready to go tomorrow?

COACH LEMONIS: I've got to assess everything tonight. Probably a good chance of that. It will be all hands on deck. Everybody is available. We're in that position now where you just have to win. And, so, I would imagine everybody who, besides maybe Houston Harding, would be available tomorrow.