“I feel like I can go out there and win every ballgame with three runs. So I try to keep it down below one to two runs for seven or eight innings, and I’ve been able to do that.”

“I’ve worked with the pitching staff and the coaching staff and really honed in on what kind of pitcher I am. I just feel like I can keep progressing every year and get better.”

“I go out and pitch my game and try to get ground balls. I don’t really think too much into it. Obviously I don’t want the pressure of thinking I am number one, but I do recognize it. I think I am up to the challenge.”

“It’s not about being cocky or anything like that. I don’t stick my chest out when I am walking around. I am just excited about being the ace and the number one starter.”

“The big things before were that I couldn’t hold on runners as well as I do now. I wasn’t consistent with my curveball. Now my changeup has gotten better as well as my curve. I am also throwing more quality strikes.”

“It’s a bit different being the number one pitcher and talking to reporters. It comes with the territory, though, and I enjoy it. If you weren’t talking to me, it must mean I didn’t do too well.”

“I throw the sinker 80, 85, 90 percent of the time. Even though they know it’s coming it’s still tough to lift the ball up. Most of the time they just knock it on the ground.”

“The number one starter should go seven, eight, or nine innings on a consistent basis.”

”I’m a simple guy and I don’t want to change. I am just the way I am.’’

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