WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - BRAZIL VS MEXICO

March 8, 2026

Benji Gil

Jonathan Aranda

Alejandro Kirk

Daikin Park

Team Mexico

Pregame Press Conference

Q. [Question about the fact that Mexico didn't play yesterday.] Do you think this is going to make you kind of lose some rhythm?

BENJI GIL: No. Since Brazil played yesterday, they might be the ones worn out because of their game yesterday. So we have the upper hand. We know we have professionals on the team. We know when our next game will be. We know our schedule.

And to be looking for any sort of excuse is not okay. We knew we had a day off yesterday and then they knew they were not going to have a day off. There are moments you play consecutive days. There are moments that you don't.

Q. Alejandro, this is your first experience in the WBC, what are your takeaways?

ALEJANDRO KIRK: I couldn't be here last time, but now I'm present and I'm very happy to represent Mexico. I think our greatest moment so far was when Aranda did his part. So we want to put Mexico at the very peak of the tournament.

Q. How did you feel about the fans in Houston after your first two games here in this city?

ALEJANDRO KIRK: They look very motivated, very happy to see players like us, and we're also grateful for their cheers.

Q. Given that you had a day off yesterday, how did you work the plan out?

BENJI GIL: Well, I actually planned the game out while I was playing golf and having a few drinks, but that was yesterday. Today we're focused. Today's a baseball game day, and we're going to focus on our rival, our opponent, which is Brazil.

Q. Is there any update on the lineup or any changes?

BENJI GIL: No. Actually, there is one change in the lineup. Today's pitcher will be Walker.

Q. It's been said that there will be more USA fans than Mexican fans for tomorrow's game. Do you think that's true? Do you think there will be more fans from the USA side than Mexico?

No, I think it's going to be very similar to the experience we had in Phoenix, in regards to the support from the fans, and I know it's going to be a good game.

Q. Benji, what's your feedback on Brazil after seeing them play their first two games?

BENJI GIL: It's a young team, talented. They're hungry to do things well. Even before seeing them, we made ourselves believe that there could be, like, the best opponent out there. That's the way we see everyone.

And for tomorrow, they're going to be the most important opponent to us. And that's how we're going to treat it. We don't want to move ahead before this game. And hopefully we can beat them, or hopefully we can have a victory tomorrow.

Q. Given that you started Assad in the first game, and now Walker is next for tomorrow's match. Is that going to be your lineup? Or as days go by you will decide?

BENJI GIL: I'll just let -- it will be a day-to-day thing. Anything can change. More than likely, the ones that did not pitch today are going to be the ones pitching tomorrow. That's what should be happening tomorrow.

Even the ones who are going to be part of the bullpen, we don't know exactly who's going to be in there. They're all going to be available to play, but it's just a day-to-day thing. We have to find out and see tomorrow.

Q. Randy, how will you compare a WBC game to a World Series game?

JONATHAN ARANDA: There's no comparison. It just has been better because nothing compares to you representing your own country and have the name on your chest. There's no comparison.