WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL A - COLOMBIA VS PANAMA

March 9, 2026

Jose Mosquera

Reynaldo Rodriguez

Adrian Almeida

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Team Colombia

Postgame Press Conference

Q. Tell us about this game, the start that you had, and the final result. After three defeats, at least you're still within the wave for the next World Baseball Classic.

ADRIAN ALMEIDA: Yes. First of all, good afternoon, everyone. Nothing, just so thankful, first of all, with God. We didn't get the objective that we were looking for, but we never lowered our head. We came here to a very important game, just like all, to compete. Well, things happened today.

Q. What was the work that was done in this part? Did you really have a disastrous Classic? Were you able to make the adjustments and score runs for Colombia? What was the work that was done for this final part in your representation at the World Baseball Classic?

REYNALDO RODRIGUEZ: First of all, thank you so much. Thank you for the opportunity. Again, it means that we -- it just means that we're Colombian.

It's strange to receive a question that you just asked. Remember it's not about Reynaldo Rodriguez, it's about Colombia. It's a country, and I believe it's quite an important victory for our country, not only for Reynaldo Rodriguez. I hope your question has been answered.

I'm just thankful and proud to God because I think the hits happen. We had a chance. It's quite an important victory for our country and especially to me because practically I'm nearing retirement.

Q. José, how difficult is it to come here and play down 0-3 and your team recovered with the mindset and get this victory in the field?

JOSÉ MOSQUERA: First of all, I want to thank all the players that showed up. It wouldn't mean anything without the love for the jersey. Sometimes people have their opinions, and we have to fight against all that. It's difficult when you know the talent that you have and you can't be in the field.

I just want to thank them all on my behalf because they're the ones who show their face. We try to put them in a position where they can be successful. It's complicated sometimes because sometimes you have difficult times, but we never lose faith in them. When you show them that trust, when you're clear with them, they go out and do what they know how to do and what they've given. Because Julio Teheran, Quintana, Rodriguez, they're the ones who brought baseball here. Gio Urshela.

Before 2019, no one talked about Colombia. Nowadays, we have guys who have opened the path for everything that it is.

Q. Good afternoon. José, we could say everything but not that you didn't try. You did everything possible with the team that you had. You could say everything but not that you didn't try.

JOSÉ MOSQUERA: As I said before, it's not easy to sit down and have a conversation, it's not easy to sit down with each other and have a conversation. But like Chencho said, when you play for your country, you understand. Getting runners on at the last inning and if there's a tie and they're ready to bat.

When they all push for the same cause, it's easier to have this kind of conversation.

Q. I want to value the effort. Colombia is a team that never rested. They played four games in a row. You didn't have two of your star pitchers fully. Congratulations. You made a great effort, and we're going to be in this next world Classic.

JOSÉ MOSQUERA: I want to tell you, even if Julio didn't throw a pitch, he's as important than anyone else in the clubhouse. Just like José, had it been up to José, he would have kept pitching until his arm gave up.

The support they receive and having a good time is the most important thing. As I said, they're going to be our ambassadors. I hope that I can count on all of them along the way because, as I said a while ago, if Julio Teheran doesn't win that game against Canada, we wouldn't be in the last Classic. I think sometimes what happens in the field it doesn't show what we have been forging up until now.

For me it's an honor to coach them, and we as a team, we're a family. We wanted to get more, of course, but I think that we take with us a lot of learning and reflection to be a better country as a league and Federation.

Q. I want you to talk to me about the situation about Colombia, the group that you are in with Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and the other team. I want you to give me a reflection of the group that Colombia was in and what you take with you.

JOSÉ MOSQUERA: We are happy to come to a land of baseball because what this shows us is we're way behind as a country in terms of support. Many times these guys have to use their own money because they want to represent the country.

What I believe is certainly many of them have done a lot more than what we as a country have done for them. I think that it is time to support them and believe in them.

It wasn't an easy group, but no group is easy. If we go in terms of preparation, it was short. There were countries that spent days, weeks, a long time. We had to look for the balls all over. Those are the little details that are behind it that people don't see. They simply call to as a country let's improve, help us, let them see us.

Like you mentioned, you come from 0-3 assured our qualification because even with the team winning and playing hard, the whole credit is to the players again.