WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL D - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VS ISRAEL

March 9, 2026

Fernando Tatis

LoanDepot Park

Team Dominican Republic

Postgame Press Conference

Dominican Republic 10, Israel 1

Q. Six runners driven in, how important is that besides the homer and all the contributions to this victory against Israel?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: I am trying to have that performance. The most important thing is that we were able to advance to the next round as a team.

Q. When we speak about a homer with full bases, with the last name you have on your back, we remember your father. Having him working with you, having your family at the stadium, share some details, family details and human details when you hit that homer with the bases loaded.

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: It was a very special day for the Tatís last night, but especially when we are representing the Dominican Republic. These are unique moments that we are going to remember for the rest of our lives. It is very, very special to have that moment with my dad in the clubhouse, in the dugout.

Q. Speaking about that homer, is that something similar to what you dreamt of? The fans were chanting your name. Tell us about the virus some people have reported that virus in the team.

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: Just like you said, that was a dream as a child. I saw the team in 2013. I was 14 at the time. I was in Puerto Rico with my dad in 2009. This tournament means everything to our players. To be able to do that, have that kind of situation, are moments that I will never forget.

Regarding the virus, no, we are taking care of ourselves. We are getting better, and we are winning. Everybody forgot about the virus.

Q. We know that the bullpen is a very important weapon of the team as well as the offense, but you are the first hitter in the lineup. How do you take that responsibility to be the start of the rest of the offensive lineup of the Dominican team?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: Just staying focused, it's a huge responsibility to start the game for that kind of impressive lineup that we have, and everything starts with the first hitter, with the first at-bat. I try to bring that energy, that spark. It means a lot to me. To end the way we are doing, I'm very proud of the job that we have done. Thank the team because of the offense, that helped me a lot, as well. I just tried to find a way to get on base to be driven in by that impressive lineup.

Q. When you take a look at the numbers, they are very impressive. Out of 10 opportunities at-bat, eight times you have been able to get to the base, and then you hit the most important homer. What's your mindset for this Classic?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: I have worked a lot. I stayed focused. That didn't start this week or last week. No, I started my preparation for this Classic in November. Albert put together this team. We have been talking, speaking about different situations, how to play ball, and they defined me as the first batter, but my goal is to get to base before the rest of the lineup.

Q. You said getting on base, scoring a lot of runs, setting up your team before, first grand slam by a Dominican player, do you pride yourself in being able to do a number of different things and taking on different roles for this offense?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: I definitely do take a lot of pride in being able to contribute on every single side of the game, and being able to do that for the Dominican Republic, it means everything to me. Man, we're just going out there and giving everything out. We're just going to play the best baseball game that we're capable of.

Q. You said before the tournament that you guys would be loud. We've seen the home run celebrations. But when you won today to clinch the spot, pretty subdued. Why is that? You all know there's a bigger goal in mind?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: Yeah, definite bigger goal. Definitely there's going to be great teams on the other side waiting for us, or they're coming here, so...

We just know there's way more of this. We have been enjoying the moment. We have been enjoying the success that we have been doing on the field. But at the same time, we know there's a bigger goal out there.

Q. The patience that we have seen in you around home plate, this is something that you prepared before that, or this is new in the Classic?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: No, no, these are things that I've been implementing during the game. I got many walks in the previous season. This is something that you do with the time, with the experience on the field, and I have been introducing that as part of my offense.

Q. We can see the chemistry and the harmony in the team, but I know that part of that, the energy of that is the energy that comes from the fans. There were 28,000 fans today, and it's Monday, and many other millions in the DR watching the game on TV. Is that important for you? How about the exhibition games and the love that you felt from the fans in the DR?

FERNANDO TATÍS JR: We are one, the team and the fans. We are one. We do our best on the field, and they make noise in the stadium, in the stands. We are just one, and this victory belongs to all.