WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - COLOMBIA VS MEXICO

March 11, 2023

Patrick Sandoval

Chase Field

Team Mexico

Pregame Press Conference

Q. How are you feeling representing Mexico in this Classic? And also the opening game that you're going to open versus the United States, and the very powerful Benji have been talking about your experience and the good repertoire you have to face these elements?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: It's a huge honor to play for this country and represent the colors. Big opportunity to be able to pitch against Team USA. Their lineup is pretty stacked. I'm really excited for the opportunity and to be able to go out there compete with guys like that.

Q. Have you thought about what it's going to be like facing Trout, and now Loup on that team also?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: I threw to Trout about two weeks ago. Hopefully a little more comfortable in there being able to throw to him. Just saw Loup got added last night. That's awesome. Can't wait to see him.

Q. Do you pitch Trout any differently just because he's a teammate? Last thing you want to do is accidentally hit him?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: I did in the live BP, but I think during the game, it's full go. I'm going to come at him with everything I've got.

Q. The preparation for a lineup like this, it's a lot different than anything you're going to see during the regular season. What's gone into that for you knowing a couple days out that you're going to have this opportunity?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: Same process, same scouting reports and all that. Just gotta be a little bit more fine with all my pitches. But, obviously, great lineup. It's just a good opportunity. I'm excited to be able to face up against those guys and see how I do.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about the atmosphere on the team and the playing in the World Baseball Classic?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: The atmosphere is awesome. We were playing the Rockies the other day, and the dugout, the vibes in there is insane. It's so fun. The guys are upbeat. It's light. They love to compete and love to mess around. It's a fun atmosphere. And it's my first WBC. I'm excited to see the crowd today. And obviously tomorrow it should be jumping. So it will be fun.

Q. How many friends and family will be at your game tomorrow?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: I just got my packet of tickets. I have 20 tickets for the game. It should be fun.

Q. Who do you think is going to be local tomorrow?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: I think Mexico, for sure. We're going to get the hometown crowd.

Q. How Mexican have you felt so far getting along with the teammates, and which ones did you know before and which ones are you getting along with?

PATRICK SANDOVAL: It's awesome. It's good to be immersed in this culture and learn a little bit more about my roots and get to know these guys. I know Gerardo Reyes pretty well from playing with him with the Angels. Urquidy, I played with at the Astros, coming up in the minor leagues. And Barnes as well. I know him, a local guy where I'm from, we worked out together. Really starting to know Taijuan Walker and Julio. It's been awesome. It's been a really good experience, and I'm looking forward to playing as long as we can.