Holbrook Presser Recap - Missouri

Chad Holbrook held a press conference Thursday previewing the upcoming Missouri series. Here is a recap of what he said:

18 games left in regular season. All games are magnified and are critically important for many reasons.

Missouri has two elite starters on Friday and Saturday in Reggie McClain and Tanner Houck. As good a tandem as there is in the SEC. McClain is a senior and one of the more polished pitchers in the SEC. Houck should be a 1st rd draft pick in 2017. Games vs. Missouri are always competitive.

3 of next 4 SEC series are at home. Just played 3 of 4 series on road. That's why I'm proud of what our guys have done. We're in a good position. Tied with UF for best SEC mark (11-4).

Clarke Schmidt (8-1, 1.66 ERA in 65 IP) is a 1st-team All-American based on the way he has pitched. He hasn't missed a beat since fall practice started. Throws strikes, power stuff, works hard. He has led our pitching staff in a big time way. He is on the Golden Spikes list along with Braden Webb. Both have MLB stuff and can pitch for a long time.

Missouri can beat anybody because their Friday and Saturday starting pitchers are that good. All teams in SEC are good enough to beat you. Our hands will be full even though Mizzou is 4-11 in SEC.

Gene Cone carries 24-game hitting streak into Mizzou series. He is experienced, has worked hard and has been very comfortable. Once he got some opportunities after the first couple of weeks, he has taken advantage. Probably our most consistent player. 22 walks, 13 K in 118 AB. Putting together a great season.

Braden Webb is a unique, happy go lucky kid. Won't be affected by what happened at Georgia. Roughed up for 8 runs + 9 hits in 2.1 IP. Should be able to handle adversity fine. He is not concerned by what happened at UGa. Utmost confidence he will throw a great game on Sat.

We had a lot of fun playing last night vs. Furman. But we have to keep it in perspective. Won't have many 19 hit games vs. SEC pitchers.

I hate not putting T.J. Hopkins in the lineup. Trying to be creative to get him in there.

Enhancements to Founders Park are up for vote by BOT on Friday. Players lounge and media room addition.

Batters got into the habit of hoping good things would happen at the plate. Were not aggressive enough.

Taylor Widener is pitching very well right now.