AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: GUARDIANS VS RAYS

October 12, 2026

Patrick Bailey

Tropicana Field

Cleveland Guardians

Postgame 1 Press Conference

Guardians - 7, Rays - 3

Q. Patrick, were you at all curious how the team emotionally would kind of react to this game after just winning the Division Series 48 hours ago like you did?

PATRICK BAILEY: Not in particular. Figured we were going to show up and prepare to go play our best ball. Seemed to turn out that way, I guess.

Q. What was the approach against Rasmussen? He's a really tough pitcher. You obviously hit the game-tying home run. You had a big hit before that, too.

PATRICK BAILEY: He was aggressive in zone, attacking us with all three of those heaters. He was on tonight. Again, I think we were just able to take advantage of some pitches kind of left out over the place, with me and C.D.

Q. The pitching staff really held this game for you guys after this first inning there. What did you see from them today in this recent stretch of success?

PATRICK BAILEY: Yeah, Foster was awesome. After that first, adjusted well. And I believe we've got the best bullpen in the league, and they continue to show that night in, night out.

Q. That was your second home run of the postseason. Are you making any adjustments, or what's going on with you?

PATRICK BAILEY: Just trying to hit it hard. Luckily they're going in the air.

Q. Espino threw the ball really well tonight. What were you seeing from him?

PATRICK BAILEY: He was throwing hard, throwing a lot of strikes. He was aggressive. Threw a really nasty 3-2 slider there, which was cool to see. But yeah, he's filling it up, trusting his stuff.

Q. A lot of people in Cleveland radio right now are starting to call you Patty Barrels. How do you feel about that nickname?

PATRICK BAILEY: It's cool. Probably worse nicknames out there for me. But that one originated back in college my freshman year. I guess it's cool it lives on.

Q. Do you feel like the wins in Chicago helped you for this Game 1 as far as this hostile environment?

PATRICK BAILEY: Yeah, for sure. Chicago was awesome. Super loud. Really cool atmosphere. Then obviously Game 5 back in Cleveland was cool. Super loud. The atmosphere here tonight was great. So the fans have been awesome this playoffs.

Q. You guys had the bye week when you won the division. Now you're kind of rest or rust. Is there a difference coming right in after maybe just getting a short break after winning the ALDS?

PATRICK BAILEY: Yeah, I mean, obviously we've been playing good ball. I feel like our hitters are seeing the ball a lot better, having better at-bats, and our arms continue to step up for us.