AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: GUARDIANS VS RAYS

October 13, 2026

Liam Hicks

Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays

Postgame 2 Press Conference

Rays - 3, Guardians - 1

Q. The fastball usage from Freddy was about over 70 percent tonight. Was that part of the plan going in tonight, or was it a matter of sticking with what worked?

LIAM HICKS: I'd say probably sticking with what worked. Obviously he's got such a good fastball, really plays well. So, yeah, just based off the swings, based off the results, it's like if we're going to get beat here, get beat with the best pitch.

Q. How pivotal did the speed ahead of you in the lineup, setting up your RBI, feel in that moment?

LIAM HICKS: It's huge. Chandler, he's able to impact the game in so many different ways. Mesa, taking third on that play, that's kind of Rays baseball encapsulated there. Anytime the defense is on their heels, we're able to take advantage. It's huge.

Q. Kevin was talking about how you got to know the staff and chat a lot with the coaches when you got here. Just how challenging was that to be in the middle of the even and get to know them? And how easy did they make it for you to make that transition smooth?

LIAM HICKS: Definitely was like a little bit nervous when I first got traded about that transition and figuring out how to do that on the fly, especially in a playoff race. But, yeah, they've made it super easy. Luckily the staff here makes things super simple for me and helped me a ton between innings. Before the start they prepare me a ton to call pitches. So luckily they've done that.

And then also having Nick Fortes, who kind of went through the exact same situation last year, he's been huge and been able to help me as well.

Q. You told us in your first media availability back here at home after you got traded that you were just happy to be joining a club that was maybe going to be through a pennant chase. Not only did you join them, you got the biggest hit of the night. How grateful are you that things worked out this way and that you're here with this club?

LIAM HICKS: Super grateful. I loved being in Miami. So, yeah, nothing but good things to say about them there.

But, yeah, being able to play in the playoffs is obviously something pretty special. And being able to do it with a club like this, I've said it a bunch, but they've made me feel like I've been a part of this team for so much longer than it's been.

It's just such a special group and so fun to be part of them. And being able to just come to the park every day, it's just super fun with them.

Q. Along those lines, when you get moved at the deadline, you join a team in the hunt, it's kind of go time when you get there. But you obviously had a lot to learn. What was your process like of acclimating to the situation, some of the expectations that were going to be around and how you were going to contribute and fit into the group?

LIAM HICKS: Yeah, luckily they kept things really simple for me. That's something that I didn't want to do my own homework and all this stuff and then them say, hey, that's not important.

Kind of came just open-minded; whatever they were going to tell me, I'd be willing to do. So they told me I was going to catch a lot and hit behind the guys at the top of the lineup. So that's a really good opportunity to drive in some runs.

That's been huge. And they've made it a very easy transition. They're super, very laid back. They really want you to focus on what you're good at and not try and deviate from that. It's been a ton of fun.

Q. With you coming in and then Freddy coming in, is there a special bond that you all have? Did you all click or talk about that and build something special because you've been in kind of similar situations?

LIAM HICKS: Yeah, it felt like being in the same division earlier in the year, we got to play each other a ton. Definitely, yeah, it was pretty cool to be able to catch his first start.

Kind of both new with the team. No idea what to expect. But to see kind of like where we've gone from that first start to where we are now, it's pretty special. I've definitely gotten a lot closer with him as the season's gone on.

Q. Can you talk about Kyle Snyder and how he's impacted your transition, and what you're able to see behind the scenes that makes him such an effective pitching coach?

LIAM HICKS: I think he does a really good job of just keeping things simple. You'd have to talk to pitchers more about some of the in-depth stuff. But from what I see, he just keeps it very simple. His messaging is really simple. He does a really good job of giving you enough information, but not overwhelming you with it as well.

I feel like back there, every game, I'm completely prepared for what to call. He helps me between innings, planning for the next few hitters.

And then just seeing the way all the pitchers respect him as well, it's really cool. And I feel like I've learned a ton this year with him.

Q. When you see your name eighth in the lineup instead of cleanup, does that change anything about your approach or anything go through your mind at that point?

LIAM HICKS: No, nothing at all. I mean, this lineup is so good, you can hit anywhere in the lineup, and you're not getting offended by where you are in the lineup at all. There's going to be opportunities.

Whether you're hitting fourth, fifth, eighth, whatever, ninth, there's going to be guys on base because this lineup's really so deep. And just being able to get up with men on base is huge, just to be able to capitalize.

Q. In the few months you've been catching Freddy, is that the best fastball you've seen him have?

LIAM HICKS: Yeah, I mean, career high, I think in his velo. So definitely, I think he was just unbelievable tonight. You could tell right away how good he was.

Q. Just how big is it to have this series tied at one heading to Game 3 in Cleveland?

LIAM HICKS: I think it's huge. After dropping the first one, you want to get out of here with at least one. So luckily we were able to salvage one there because, yeah, it's going to be a really tough place to play. I've seen how loud the fans can get there. So definitely.

Q. I was going to ask you about the Cleveland atmosphere. What do you guys expect up there?

LIAM HICKS: Yeah, luckily, I got to be on the Taxi Squad with the Tigers when they played there a couple years ago. So I got to see firsthand how loud it can get.

Yeah, really good fans there. This team's been playing really well. So I think it's going to be a really good atmosphere. Luckily, yeah, New York was really good as well. We were able to win that one. So hopefully we can just keep the momentum going and get it back to the Trop.

Q. In that inning, are you sitting slider, and is there anything you took from your first at-bat that you were applying there and what you were hunting?

LIAM HICKS: No, no, I wasn't sitting slider, but just he's got a really good fastball so you've got to be on time for it. And it's going to be up in the zone most of the time. So really just try and beat it up there and luckily got a slider and was able to make the adjustment and able to catch it out front.