NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: DIAMONDBACKS VS PHILLIES

October 24, 2023

Brandon Marsh

Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia Phillies

Pregame 7 Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We'll get started with Brandon Marsh.

Q. Brandon, how much does it help the confidence that you carry into Game 7 that the lineup has been the same throughout this postseason run and that it's the same group of guys, same order here in a big game?

BRANDON MARSH: You know what you're going to get. The consistency, that's what we love about it. It's gotten us here to this point, and I don't see it switching up now.

We've got a good thing going. Just a really dynamic lineup, and it's special. So we're just going to have some fun tonight and go out there and play our game.

Q. Has there been any talk in the clubhouse having a couple of guys who have played in a Game 7 or asking them what it's like, if there are any nerves or anxiousness heading into this Game 7?

BRANDON MARSH: To be honest, no. We know what's at stake. Everybody does, but we're just going to keep it simple. Smile, laugh, dance, and have some fun out there tonight.

However the cards fall, that's how they will, but we're going to go out there and we're going to play a fun game tonight.

Q. Brandon, you guys talked about it a little bit. You guys pride yourself on staying loose, having fun. You've been through a lot these last two seasons. You weren't here for the manager change and all that, but you coming in. Game 7 is new to this team, this franchise, you guys. Is it still the same in the locker room, the little bit you've been in there so far today?

BRANDON MARSH: Like I said, we're keeping the vibes the same. Keeping everything like we've had it the past couple of weeks. It's been a lot of fun, and we're looking forward to tonight. It's going to be a battle.

Q. What kind of work have you done over the last couple of months to feel more confident hitting left-handed pitching? Because you look a lot more confident? Is that something that's going on behind the scenes?

BRANDON MARSH: I think it's just part of the process throughout the whole year. It's my first year -- full first year here, and being able to work with the hitting department here, it's been great. We feel like we've slowly been getting better and better.

Yeah, it's cool to see all of that come out into the game. But I have to look at lefties the same way as righties. They've got to throw it over the dish. There's still a job to get done. You just have to do it.

Q. Brandon Pfaadt pitched really well against you guys in Game 3. What did you learn about him facing him, and how has that informed your approach as you try to get better results off of him in this game?

BRANDON MARSH: He pitched a phenomenal game over in Arizona. It was a great outing by him. He just stayed away from the heart of the plate. He stayed around the edges, and he executed a lot of pitches. You have to tip your cap to guys like that that go out and perform like that.

Tonight, it's going to be a little different, being on the road, different everything. So it's just going to be a lot of fun. We just have to stick to our game plan, stay stubborn to it, and just go out there and have some fun.

Q. The last couple of weeks you're hitting, like, .400. What's different? What's better? What's good?

BRANDON MARSH: Just really being aggressive where and when I want to. Finding good times to let it loose. Just being a little bit more selective.

I keep saying it. Just keeping things as simple as possible. It's a hard game out there, and those guys are good on the other side. So you don't want to make it any tougher than it already is. Just really keeping it simple and just taking what they give you.

Q. In the spirit of having fun, my wife and daughters watch, and they say what's with his hair? Can you describe how you do that or what the secret is to keeping it under control?

BRANDON MARSH: There's really no secret. For starters, it's clean. Secondly, it's just water really. It keeps it out of my face, because once it gets dry, it starts going everywhere. Yeah, it's about time for a cut.

Q. You shared before, Brandon, how much fun your mom is having watching these games. What have been her favorite moments during this postseason? Did she give you any special Game 7 advice or encouragement today?

BRANDON MARSH: You know, we texted a little bit this morning. I wouldn't know what her favorite moment would be. She just loves when the Phils win. I would say all the wins that we've had so far.

Yeah. She texted me this morning, and we had a little conversation, just a little pump-up. Yeah, you know, she's awesome. She's my best supporter, and I love that she's here for all of this.

Q. How do you feel about the little button that she has that she's wearing on her jacket of you as a little kid?

BRANDON MARSH: I would say it's a bit embarrassing, but that's what I looked like without all this. But, no, I love it. It's all fun. She loves it too, so that's all that matters.

Q. If you are able to advance, is she able to attend all the games, or do you have something going on with your sister as well?

BRANDON MARSH: Yeah, she'll be at as many as possible. First and foremost, we have to take care of tonight.

Yeah, my sister, she has a huge, huge event out in Chile during the World Series dates towards Games 4, 5, 6. Yeah, my mother will be there for that because she can't miss that.

She's been to all my games so far. Yeah, I mean, it's cool. She has two of her kids that she can go watch and do some pretty cool stuff. I'm just glad she's able to do that.

Q. How unique is it to have a sibling who is that great of an athlete and compare notes and encourage each other from afar like that?

BRANDON MARSH: You know, we've pushed each other our whole lives. She would come to football practice and race all the guys and stuff like that and beat us. It was always super competitive growing up, but that's the way we like it.

I feel like that's what got us to where we are today. Yeah, she's great. They're all great.