WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - AUSTRALIA VS CZECHIA

March 6, 2026

Curtis Mead

Tokyo Dome

Team Australia

Postgame Press Conference

Australia 5, Czech Republic 1

Australia 5, Czech Republic 1

Q. I just wanted to ask you about the game today, and how the reaction was knowing you guys have got off to a great start in the WBC and how you want to spend tomorrow, reacting to the last two days, knowing you have the next couple games coming up?

CURTIS MEAD: Yeah, the guys are obviously pumped. A big win today to kind of consolidate the win yesterday. Didn't necessarily have go how we wanted early but to tack on a few runs late and have the pitching staff shut it down was awesome.

Q. You grew up playing with Hampton and Lachlan, and you won an Under 16, Under 18 and ABL, and now you're at the World Baseball Classic. Can you talk about that bond or friendship, growing up in that community, and realizing this is what I did today at the biggest stage?

CURTIS MEAD: It's definitely special. I definitely feel confident when both those guys are on the mound. I've seen them put up deer foes for had I whole life. It's definitely special to come here into an environment and have familiar faces around and just brings the group even closer.

Q. How will you prepare for Team Japan?

CURTIS MEAD: I think first and foremost is to rest and recover, and we'll kind of get a nice training session tomorrow just to kind of keep the momentum rolling, and then, yeah, I think all systems go for Japan. Obviously super talented team, but I feel like our group's ready.

Q. This is your first tournament for Australia, and your hit gave you guys the lead. What does it mean to do that for Australia, and just curious if you've had a chance to take a look at your phone or what messages you might have received from your family?

CURTIS MEAD: I actually haven't looked at my phone yet. But I know there's a massive group of friends and family that are going to be watching.

It was a special moment today. It felt like after going down 1-0 early it felt like a big moment that I could -- one swing could shift the momentum back into our favor. Was fortunate enough to get a pitch out over the plate and didn't miss it.

Q. What do you think is the reason for the success with the

CURTIS MEAD: Yes, I think a lot of us are trying to get our a swing off and it's a team effort really. Everyone had good at-bats today and wear the pitcher down. Ultimately they are bound to throw one in the middle every now and again. I think it's a lot of credit to all the at-bats we've had over the past few days, and a few guys have been able to capitalize on the mistakes.

Q. Today you got a huge crowd from Fuchu. How do you feel about the children cheering on your Team Australia?

CURTIS MEAD: Yeah, it was really special. To feel like the crowd was behind us a little bit today was nice. Yesterday was a little bit intimidating for some. It was nice to have some local support.

Q. So what did you think about the cheers with your teammates?

CURTIS MEAD: Yeah, we talked about it. It was definitely mentioned today, how there was a bit more support rather than yesterday. So it was definitely exciting for the crowd to be behind us.

Q. (No translation.)

CURTIS MEAD: Yeah, I think it would be special to face off against him. We joked around a little bit before we both left, and I'm excited for him to be on the other side, and when the first pitch is on, you know it's game on.

Q. (No translation.)

CURTIS MEAD: I don't think there was anything in particular I think just getting to know each other. I think he's a funny guy and he made a lot of guys at spring training laugh and it's fun getting it to know him. I'm excited to see him in the next coming days.

Q. (No translation.)

CURTIS MEAD: I know a couple other guys on the team have faced him in previous tournaments and I was on the bench when he through against the Rays last year, so I was able to listen in to what the Rays plan of attack was against him, and now get to see it firsthand