Q. Obviously assuming there is a Game 3 tomorrow, what excites you about the notion or idea of getting to pitch in a do-or-die game for both teams?
ANDREW ABBOTT: I'm just extremely humbled, one, to get the opportunity to be here. It just speaks to, I think, the work I've done this year, but it also speaks to the team and how much they trust me to go out and do my job.
I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for those guys behind me. To get that opportunity to go and try and perform for them is, I think it's to be honorable for me.
Q. You've pitched in a lot of big games. You pitched in an All-Star Game. Do you anticipate a playoff start will be different?
ANDREW ABBOTT: I try not to make it any different, really, but there's going to be heightened pressure. Obviously with the lineup and the guys they have on that side, it's going to be super important to be executing, to be on top of your stuff.
But you're not going to try to add any more pressure than what's already on the game. Just try to keep it simple and just throw strikes and do what I do.
Q. You've been around this team the entire year. How do you think they'll respond tonight, facing elimination? I know you have your backs against the wall for a couple of weeks now, but how do you think the team will respond tonight?
ANDREW ABBOTT: You've said it best -- we've had our backs against the wall. We've been counted out before. I think we put our head down, do what we do, play small ball, do whatever we have to do to scratch across and use the strengths that we've had this year. Just really rely on each other, rely on the pitching staff, rely on the hitters and rely the defense and let the chips fall where they may.
I have a good feeling going in. I know the guys will be ready to go. And just put your head down and go.
Q. You guys have played here obviously as recently as last month. It always seems like a packed house and a lot of electricity. Have you noticed is it not that much different in a playoff game, at least crowd-wise, because you've been through that a little bit?
ANDREW ABBOTT: It's always special playing here. It's always been a loud stadium -- they're really supportive of their team. You know that coming in.
It's a little more heightened in the playoffs. There's a lot more noise, the ebbs and flow of the game, you know, score a run, big hit here, there's going to be a lot more energy in the crowd.
But you learn over time how to navigate that stuff and how to not let it affect you so bad. They do get loud. They are going to be behind their team. But we'll be ready to handle that.
Q. I think you mentioned this after your last start that when you asked about pitching in the playoffs, sometimes four or five innings is a long start in the playoffs. Is that the mindset you would have if you get a shot tomorrow, just trying to give this team four or five innings and then turn it over to the bullpen?
ANDREW ABBOTT: Tito, when we first got here, kind of discussed how the mindset was going to be. It's just go as hard as you can until I take the ball from you. Don't focus on how many innings it's going to be or how many outs you're going to get, just keep going as hard as you can the entire time until he decides we'll make a move here, switch it up, put another guy in there.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports