MLB WORLD SERIES: PHILLIES VS ASTROS

November 2, 2022

Cristian Javier

Citizens Bank Park

Houston Astros

Postgame 4 Press Conference

Houston Astros - 5, Philadelphia Phillies - 0

THE MODERATOR: We'll get started with questions for Cristian.

Q. How do you prepare before the game to handle such a complicated fan base?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: We just stayed focused, just came out motivated after yesterday's loss. We had positive energy in the clubhouse. We told ourselves that we would come in today to win. Coming into the ballpark today, we studied the other team, had a lot of adrenaline and stayed positive and just had a lot of desire to win.

Q. I believe your parents were at the game and I think you relayed to Fox that you were told by them that they believed you were going to throw a no-hitter. What exactly did they tell you and how did that conversation go? Did they even inspire even more confidence in you today before you took the mound?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, definitely. When they told me that, obviously I got a lot more motivated. I kept my faith in God and obviously I knew I had a big commitment today being down 2-1 in the series. And obviously with my parents being here, I just tried to give my best, give my family the best that I could. And obviously having my dad here as well so he could enjoy the success that I've had, so he can come here and enjoy the game as well.

Q. You were 16 years old, you were an outfielder, you converted to pitching late, you signed for only $10,000, not a highly rated prospect. What does it mean for you to go from that to pitching six no-hit innings in the World Series?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Very happy and very grateful to God for giving me this opportunity. I really didn't focus on the signing bonus. I just tried to do the best that I could every single year. And I knew every single year that I was in the minors that I didn't have anything promised, that I would just have to give my best every single year out, and thankfully I'm here.

Q. What was working for you today specifically?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Like always, I think just try to stay focused, keep calm, and attack the hitter as quickly as possible.

Q. Your fastball has played so well for you all season, but this Phillies lineup, they hit really, really well against fastballs. So given that, was there any thought to try and deviate from the plan a little bit?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: No. I really don't think I could change my plan of attack. I think I just needed to stay positive. I thought that my fastball today was really good and definitely I was able to get a lot of swings and misses.

Q. You've pitched really well to Christian Vázquez since he's come over. Why do you think you've had that comfort level and what was he doing well tonight behind the plate?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, I think I have really good communication with both guys and really good, they both call really good games. Vázquez today specifically he stayed on top of me, continued to motivate me throughout the game, and called a great game, and gave me really good positive energy, and I think that's one of the reasons why we got the results we did today.

Q. How often have your parents been able to watch you pitch?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: My mom has got an opportunity to see me pitch in the past. My dad arrived yesterday to the United States and today was the first time he saw me pitch.

Q. If this series goes seven games, how much do you think you would be able to pitch maybe in a possible Game 7 on three days' rest?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, I think if the series makes it to seven games, I'm just going to just stay positive, put everything in God's hands. He's the only one that knows what's in store for us, so just trust Him.

Q. You pitched the game of your life tonight also in front of your parents. Can you talk about what that meant to you but also how you handled the nerves and pressures from this crowd?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: For me, it was the best gift that I could have ever given 'em. I know that they're really proud of me for what I was able to accomplish today.

Q. Can you talk a bit about, you obviously are very cool, all the guys are cool. Is there excitement? Is there joy in your heart? We don't see you smile that much. What does this mean to you to be part of history with your teammates? Only the second time a no-hitter's been pitched in World Series history.

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, very happy. We have all been working really hard all year. We go out every single day and work as hard as we can so we can have success during the game. Obviously I think that's one of the things that's been working for me, just working really hard throughout the season.