MLB WORLD SERIES: ASTROS VS BRAVES

October 28, 2021

Ian Anderson

Truist Park

Atlanta Braves

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Ian, what can you take from what you saw the first two games, Max, Charlie, the other relievers? The conversations you've had with other pitchers, how can that benefit you tomorrow night?

IAN ANDERSON: I think they've all done a great job so far. I think the biggest thing is limiting that big inning. I think the second inning kind of spelled us out yesterday, but I think that's going to be the biggest thing.

Still going to pitch my game. Still going to do what I've been doing all year and try to get us back in the dugout and let those guys do their thing.

Q. You've faced a lot of good lineups in your young career, but when you look at Houston, what separates them from other dangerous lineups?

IAN ANDERSON: I think when you have the batting champ batting seventh, that definitely makes your lineup pretty deep. It will definitely be a little different than playing in the National League ballpark. So I think we can use that to our advantage.

Yeah, they have a ton of names, and they keep coming at you, that's for sure.

Q. You talked about limiting a big inning, but if you have a checklist of a successful outing, what would that look like to you?

IAN ANDERSON: Probably nine innings, no runs. That would be a good start. Yeah, I think you can focus on just smaller things, getting the leadoff guy out, I think that's huge in postseason play, and not giving the other team any extra outs, limiting the walks, things like that. I think that those go a long way in keeping your team in the game.

Q. Most of the guys on that team haven't seen you before. Do you think that gives you an advantage, having that they've never been able to step in the box against you?

IAN ANDERSON: Yeah, definitely going to try to use that to my advantage. I think with my pitch mix it definitely helps me out a little bit with the fastball/change-up. Definitely going to try to be on the attack, feed off the energy of the crowd, and put the pressure on them.

Q. When you've never faced hitters before, do you try to stick to your strengths, or do you look to the scouting report on those hitters and try to use your strengths versus their weaknesses?

IAN ANDERSON: I think it's a little bit of both. Obviously, you formulate a good plan going in, and you don't know if -- you could throw that first pitch, and you might have to change some things up.

I think it's going to be more of kind of getting a read for how the game's going, what the situations call for, and going from there.

Q. Is there one particular moment or anything that you're really looking forward to to tomorrow?

IAN ANDERSON: Probably just running out there for the first time. I know that there hasn't been a World Series game here for quite some time now, and it's definitely an honor to be starting the game tomorrow night. I think keeping my emotions in check and kind of just taking it all in is going to be a big factor.

Q. What was that first big Red Sox World Series thrill for you?

IAN ANDERSON: Probably back in '04, I remember watching that with my dad and staying up pretty late for that one. That's kind of the first game I remember staying up late for and just seeing his reaction, being a lifetime fan, was awesome.

He's probably more excited for this without a doubt. He was pretty jacked up after Game 1. So, yeah, he'll probably be a mess, but he'll enjoy it.

Q. I want to ask you about Jeff Mathis. He hasn't played in a couple of months, but how much interaction do you have with him behind the scenes? In terms of preparation, in terms of mental approach.

IAN ANDERSON: He's been awesome to the team, without a doubt. He's -- bringing in guys like Jesse Chavez and him and Charlie, guys that have been around a while and played with some really good players and are fantastic players in their own right, they've helped this team tremendously.

We're still a young team for the most part, so to have guys like that to go over mental stuff, go over game planning stuff. They also do a great job of keeping it light because they know how tough it is. They've been awesome.

Q. With him and Vogt, how much input and involvement do they have in terms of game planning as catchers?

IAN ANDERSON: And Vogter too, I completely forgot. He was phenomenal coming over. We talk a lot with Sal Fasano and Travis and all the other starters too. Max will join in mid-game and things like that. So it's definitely a group effort.

Q. Ian, have you guys talked as a pitching staff that this could be the last three games that any pitcher hits again? Almost joking amongst yourselves like we have to get one last hit in?

IAN ANDERSON: Yeah, we have. I was talking to Max about it. It's unfortunate that he had to pitch in the American League game because he definitely had a better chance than I did to get a hit.

Yeah, I think it's definitely going to be pretty special that this could be the last pitchers ever hitting in baseball. We've definitely brought it up.

Q. In these next three games, we could see guys like Tucker and Kyle who haven't thrown a lot this year in the bigs play big roles for you guys. What do we not know about these two guys maybe that you think sets them up for some success?

IAN ANDERSON: I think that they're both great competitors. I think you saw that with Kyle coming in last night. I thought he looked phenomenal. And Tucker too. They've been working to get this chance, and they've been waiting a while for it.

I think that they're both going to be able to come in and make the most of it. That's kind of just the personalities that those two guys have, and kind of the whole collective mindset now of why can't I be the World Series hero or why can't I be the guy to step in and shoulder the load and pitch some important innings for the team?

Q. You guys are undefeated at home this postseason. I'm just wondering the vibe of this place and how much you guys feed off of that?

IAN ANDERSON: It's been awesome. We've kind of taken it on as an identity, and the fans and you guys and the media too have played a big part in that. I think the fans are excited. I think Atlanta sports fans are always into this time of year.

We've had some success, the teams and the city have had some success. So we're looking to get it done for them.