WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: QUARTERFINALS 1 - KOREA VS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

March 13, 2026

Cristopher Sanchez

LoanDepot Park

Team Dominican Republic

Postgame Press Conference

Dominican Republic 10, Korea 0

Q. Good evening. As we see in the DR, you were nasty today, Cristopher. Two hits allowed. What adjustments did you make just to have that spectacular performance, 62 pitches. Did you feel like you could -- you had to stop, or you could have continued?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: Good evening. My mindset was to attack early. I had that limited numbers. That was the mindset and the plan for today.

Q. Cristopher, you told me that you were very excited whether you faced a possible -- to face Harper, Schwarber, et cetera. Albert Pujols said that you were done in this Classic. How did you feel about your performance today, and what could you say to the Dominican people that were watching the game?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: Yeah. We spoke about that, but that is not going to happen because of the spring training and I have a rigid schedule. But I'm very proud, very proud to be here with our team. It's a very special team and to represent my country.

Q. Over here in the outfield. Can you describe two feels, the one you had during the five innings that you pitched on the mound and listening to the Dominican fans, the noise at the stadium because of the -- because you qualified to the next round?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: The mindset, like I said before, was to attack early because I had a limited number of pitches. And hearing those Dominican fans, noisy Dominican fans, this is great. I have been in playoffs, et cetera, and this is unprecedented here.

Q. Cristopher, did you learn Korean? That was the first question. And number two, what was the most difficult hitter from the Korean team?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: No, I haven't learned Korean.

The most difficult hitter -- I'm not sure, but my mindset was to attack with a sinker ball. I used breaking balls and sinkers. That was my game plan.

Q. Two questions. Number one, in the previous PC, you said that you were trying your sinker but it was not good. What adjustments did you make with Wellington Cepeda, the pitching coach, in order to be dominant today, very different from the first game you pitched? And Question number two, Pujols said that this was your last appearance in this Classic. What are the takeaways for you the first WBC?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: The first question -- well, that was my first appearance. I had never faced a Nicaraguan team. If you compared that game with today's game, the teams are different. The plan was different. We put together the game plan that I tried to execute well, and I did it.

Regarding the WBC, it's a beautiful experience. It is my first participation in a Classic and I'm enjoying it a lot.

Q. Do you speak English, first of all?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: No, I don't.

Q. Okay. No problem. Many people in the social networks compare your smile with Kawhi Leonard, the basketball player, and I was wondering, do you agree with that comparison?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: Yes, I have seen that meme in the social networks, and I enjoy that, you know? It's okay with me.

Q. And do you agree with that comparison?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: I enjoy that. Yes, of course. I don't take care of that.

Q. Cristopher, you are coming from La Romana, a neighborhood. A young guy, left-handed, a skinny guy, they called you. But coming here, you are already a professional, but that message for so many young people in your hometown La Romana, that dream about being the next Cristopher Sanchez?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: I never dreamt about this. I mean, being a label on my performance.

But my message is yes, of course. Education is very important not only in baseball. Chase your dreams. Education is key. That would be my tip, my advice for them.

Q. We have heard that this is your last appearance. Now you are going back to your team. When you see this Classic, what would you say to the Dominican Republic after pitching five innings with eight strikeouts, no runs in the semifinals?

CRISTOPHER SANCHEZ: I am not leaving, by the way. I am staying here. Representing my country is great. Every time I have the opportunity to wear this uniform, I represent my country. I will do that all the time. Thank you so much. Good night.

(FastScripts by ASAP Sports)