By James Hernandez

James: After beginning conference play 7-5 in '14-15', how pleased are you with the teams 10-2 start out of the gate in conference this year?

Coach Garritano: We are very excited for the record of 10-2 throughout the first 12 league games.  Lots of things to work on and get better at but overall we will definitely take it.

James: Three of the four games in this past weekend's series were decided by two runs or less. Were you happy with the way the team responded to those high pressure situations?

Coach Garritano: It was really nice to see our club win some tight ballgames.  We have been scoring lots of runs lately so it was good to see our group play relaxed in tight situations. 

James: Gabe Gonzalez was able to locate his fastball well in his start, striking out 9 batters in just 6.1 innings of work. Was this the best he has looked to this point this season?

Coach Garritano: That was hands down the best we have seen Gabe look in his time here at CSN.  Hopefully it is a building block for great things ahead for Gabe.  He commanded all 3 of his pitches Friday and his fastball had a ton of life.  He maintained velocity up through the time we made a change.

James: Twin Falls has traditionally been a tough road destination for CSN to win, what are some keys for the team to have a productive weekend?

Coach Garritano: It is definitely a tough road trip.  9 hours on the bus is never easy on anyone's body.  It is going to be very cold, rainy and windy up there Friday.  Our mental toughness will have to be at the highest level up to this point in the season.  Never easy elements to play in, however, both teams have to deal with the same elements.

James: Can you provide our readers with a brief scouting report of the weekend's opponent, the CSI Golden Eagles?

Coach Garritano: CSI always pitches the baseball well.  Lots of low scoring games are generally the story in this series.  They have a couple of bats in their lineup that are very dangerous.  We definitely need to do a better job of hunting our pitches this weekend.

James: How would you rate the bullpen's performance this past weekend? Is the lack of consistency still a concern as you move forward?

Coach Garritano: We have been looking for consistency from the beginning.  I truly believe we are on the right track in our bullpen.  We have some guys that haven't thrown much lately that we need to get back in the mix.  Internal competition will be the key to our long term success.

James: Are you and your coaching staff worried about this weekend being a look-ahead spot for the team with a showdown versus in-state rival Western Nevada just two weeks away?

Coach Garritano: To be 100% honest with you James, we have not had one second of time to think ahead.  We are fully focused on traveling to Twin Falls, Idaho and playing the Golden Eagles.

James: Can we expect the starting rotation to remain the same this upcoming weekend? 

Coach Garritano: As of now, we will stick with the same rotation.  Weather permitting, it could change a little bit.

James: Give us a player or two that you feel are primed for a breakout weekend in Twin Falls?

Coach Garritano:  I believe Jesse Keiser swung the bat much better last weekend against SLCC.  He hit 3 hard ground balls right at guys.  I also believe that Tyler Hallead is right around the corner from being really really dependable.

James: Its March Madness coach, can you please provide us with your final four picks for 2016? 

Coach Garritano: Hahaha.  I have not even watched one game this entire tourney.  I will give you what my son believes. Ha.  He has chosen Villanova to win the tourney.  So I guess I will choose Villanova as well.  UNC, Oklahoma and Virginia rounds out the Final Four.

Thanks Coach, and as always good luck.  

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