AL DIVISION SERIES: TIGERS VS MARINERS

October 5, 2025

Luis Castillo

T-Mobile Park

Seattle Mariners

Postgame 2 Press Conference

Mariners - 3, Tigers - 2

Q. Luis, what changed from the second inning on? Your pitch count was at 51 after two innings, and then it went 9 and 9 and then got shorter. What did you do differently to kind of get it reduced?

LUIS CASTILLO: You know, I think what changed was the first-pitch strike. I think I mentioned it yesterday in an interview. That's one of the things we emphasize on. We went in there, made the plan, adjusted it.

And we weren't able to get as far in the game as we wanted to, but that bullpen came in and helped us out.

Q. These postseason moments bring out the best in you. At least that's what the stats say. Why do you think you were able to rise to the occasion, just like you were able to again tonight?

LUIS CASTILLO: Yeah. You know, I think that these are levels that when they come out -- or come up, all you've got to do is win. Win is the objective.

So whenever it's my turn to go up on the mound, I know that I don't have to give 100 percent. I have to give 110 percent, because these are just moments that you've really got to step up, and those are some merits that have come through my career.

Q. Luis, to build off of that, you've pitched some big games for the Mariners, obviously, but the playoff games haven't come in front of these fans here. What was the experience and the atmosphere like in the ballpark tonight as you were going through your outing?

LUIS CASTILLO: Yeah. You know, I think the fans have been phenomenal. I mean, I think it's been since '01 that they haven't been able to see a win here in house, at the house, so I think these great fans really deserve the win. They bring the energy every single time, so it was special.

Q. Luis, going up against Skubal, everybody knows how good of a pitcher he is. Just how much of that is on your mind to also be able to go toe to toe with a guy like that tonight?

LUIS CASTILLO: Yeah. You know, he's -- I think this is the third time I've pitched against him this year. He's phenomenal, a phenomenal pitcher, a lot of talent.

But to me, when I face someone, you know, a great pitcher like that, I'm not really thinking of the person. I'm trying to think of myself, trying to give not just the -- stay true to who I am, but give even more than what I can.

But yeah, he is a great pitcher and a great rival to watch. I really enjoy watching him.

Q. Luis, I've seen you talking with Bazardo often. How good has he gotten? How much has he grown as a pitcher since he's came here over the last couple years?

LUIS CASTILLO: You know, when I see him, he's a guy -- or young guy, young talent, but I see a lot of myself in him in terms of he's always there with the positive mentality. Positive mentality, he always wants us to do the right thing.

And I think that is what has led him to have the success he's had this year. I've seen him all year, just always been that positive guy. And I think he's just going to continue to get better and better, and he's such a great talent.

Q. Luis, obviously you want to pitch deep into games. You hadn't given up a hit at that point, when Dan goes to Speier, but we see you at the end after he gets the strikeout with the fist pump. Just what was going on through your mind, and why was it important to show support there for Gabe when he came in in that moment?

LUIS CASTILLO: Yeah. You know, I think us as starters obviously want to go as deep in the game as we can, try to give the relievers some rest.

But I think when we come out early, at least for us, I don't think it affects us as much as it should because we know that the great group that we have in those relievers are going to come in and do their jobs.

So when Speier came out there and -- I stayed because I wanted to show my support, and especially in these moments right now. That's the best you can do, is try and show your support. And it doesn't matter who comes out there, you kind of know they're going to get the job done.