AL WILD CARD SERIES: ROYALS VS ORIOLES

October 2, 2024

Seth Lugo

Camden Yards

Kansas City Royals

Postgame Press Conference

Royals 2, Orioles 1

Q. Seth, how does it feel being able to come out and secure -- to be moving on to the ALDS?

SETH LUGO: It feels great. So happy for everyone in the clubhouse in there. We've worked really hard all season and we've played together as a team.

I think today's game really showed what we've done all year. It's every man being a part of this thing, and that's what we did tonight.

Q. What was the message after Cedric Mullins was able to tie up the game with the homer?

SETH LUGO: What do you mean?

Q. What was your plan of attack, knowing that you had to --

SETH LUGO: After the home run?

Q. Yeah.

SETH LUGO: Well, I knew I made a mistake there with the fastball, so really the next couple batters I tried to bear down and make sure to get them to locations I wanted. I thought the sinker into Urias was a decent pitch, but once he got on base I knew with Henderson being pretty dangerous to really lock in and not make a mistake, but after the walk there we got him the zone to hoping his aggressiveness would get us out of that.

But we got the Santander pop up, and then Zerp came in and took care of the rest, so that was great.

Q. What are your thoughts on facing the Yankees and chances in that series?

SETH LUGO: You know, we come out every day ready to play baseball. We've got to prepare our game and do the things that we do. We've got a couple days to figure that out. Right now it's just about celebrating.

Q. What was the fifth inning like for you emotionally? You go in, you're up 1-0 and give up the tying home run, you exit, the bases loaded, the game is out of your hands and then a couple minutes later still tied?

SETH LUGO: Well, I thought with seven lefties in the lineup in this ballpark, any mistake could leave the yard, and that happened. Salvy came out and we readjusted, tried to refocus, and then handed off the ball to the bullpen.

I felt really confident in myself, so the rest of the game I was locked in, cheering on the guys, getting pumped up when they were getting big outs, and it was a lot of fun.

Q. What was going through your mind when you saw Bobby being able to get the go-ahead run with yet another RBI single?

SETH LUGO: I mean, off the bat I knew any plays in the hole are a good chance for him to beat the throw to first base, and also the way he plays, I think that's what I was saying earlier, it's kind of embodiment of our entire season is hustle and heart. Just really proud for him to do what he's done all year.