WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - MEXICO VS CANADA

March 15, 2023

Benji Gil

Chase Field

Team Mexico

Pregame Press Conference

Q. It's a must-win day today. Today we have to win because of the system. It's a little bit unjust for everybody, but it's important, the victories that you have gotten. What do you think about the system?

BENJI GIL: I like the system because it's fair. It's fair. We had to win against the United States. We had to win yesterday's game. And now it's another game that we have to win.

And I think the system is just. It's fair. I don't see any problem in this. We knew about this. We knew it since the start, even before starting the tournament. We knew we had to win three games. It would give you big chances to advance to Miami.

Obviously, 4-0, it's impossible not to go through. But we always had a mentality of winning three. We would have liked to win the first three, but just to have a more relaxed day today, but it's not that way. It didn't happen this way.

But it has been three great games, and you and the fans have enjoyed the games, especially the people who have been watching the games on TV and here present.

Q. Since you knew that we're going to face Canada, there was a lot of news and images that would happen the last time Mexico and Canada faced each other. Do we use this as motivation, or is it time to change more than whatever happened when Canada eliminated Mexico? Now it's time for Mexico to eliminate Canada so the history changes a little bit?

BENJI GIL: To me that's not important. It means nothing to me. There's no one in the field that, maybe Magallanes when he was a coach, if I'm not wrong.

But like I have mentioned before, the games against the United States, it's different groups. It's like the Dodgers faced the Yankees in 1956, and maybe the players don't even -- even the players that played that game are not even alive.

It has nothing to do with us. I have nothing against Canada. I have no anger towards them. Simply it's the rival that we have in front of us. And it's the most important game in the tournament for us. And it's just win -- win.

We're not thinking about eliminating. We are thinking about winning so that we can advance. It does not matter who the rival is.

Q. How tired or physically is the team? If we were to advance, have you been analyzing maybe the rivals that you would have next round?

BENJI GIL: Are you asking me how tired we are? Just like every other teams that advance. Like I tell you, it's very similar to the question Hector said, it's the same for everybody. We are all playing the same amount of games. I don't see it tiring for one team more than another.

Yes, we have been thinking about who the rival could be. Venezuela went number one. If we win today we will be a number one. So we'll maybe face whoever wins between Puerto Rico and the Dominican.

So what we don't know is what they were going to play so we were going to know either Friday or Saturday. So we know that's going to be whoever the winner is of those two games, of that game.

Q. You talked a lot about the pitching, who you can use and not. With the change you did yesterday offensively you gave possibly two other baseball players who did not have the opportunity. Is that something good? If you need to make changes will you put in players that have not had an opportunity or would you play the same people?

BENJI GIL: Yes, obviously we would like for everybody to participate and bring something to the table. But the lineup is going to be exactly the same to the one that we had versus the United States, which would be the same one, the nine that played against Colombia and U.S. It's the same.

The only difference is Rowdy, he played first base, then he was designated hitter. It's going to be the same lineup versus the United States, exception for Urquidy as a pitcher.

Q. Offensively you like that anybody has their rhythm just in case you need a substitute and that it's a big advantage?

BENJI GIL: Yes, it helps for the player to have a better rhythm, like you mentioned, and also so that he's also happy that he has opportunity to help the team and help the team win.

Q. Urquidy has pitched in big spots before. How much did that factor in him being the starter for today's game? And what is it about him that makes him well-equipped for this environment?

BENJI GIL: I think you're absolutely right. He's pitched in World Series, a couple of World Series now. And when we put this all together, obviously we would have loved to have been 3-0. But it's hard to say, hey, you know what? Let's plan on being 3-0.

And strategically we're, like, hey, he would be a great option to throw in a game of this magnitude because he's done it a couple different times. So I think it sets up well.

His character, his poise is kind of the poise you need for this type of game. It's a postseason-type, win-at-all-costs type of game. And I think -- not that the other guys aren't capable -- but then we have the perfect guy going for us today.

Q. What's your opinion about Freddie Freeman isn't in the lineup in Canada? Obviously he's a leader of that team.

BENJI GIL: I said it, sadly for a tournament, that one of the big stars of our sport -- I think he had an injury in the leg, and he will not be able to participate.

Obviously we're not happy that he got injured but we are -- it's less complicated having not to face a bat of his quality. So I hope he recuperates fast, heals fast. He's a big piece for the Dodgers and our sport.