Blue Jays - 6, Dodgers - 2
Q. What do you feel was your emotion when you hit that homer against Ohtani tonight?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: Definitely I feel very happy, I mean, especially in that moment when we took the lead. It was very important for me to hit that home run, and from that point on, we got going.
Q. We talked with you before the series began about facing Shohei. We all love the idea of Guerrero and Ohtani. So when you finally faced him, and you hit the home run, I know you have so much respect for him, you like him a lot, but what does that mean when you face a great pitcher, a great player, and you're able to succeed? Tell me what that meant in your heart to be able to have that moment.
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, like I said before, I respect Ohtani a lot, and I know basically myself and him, we are, like, the talk of the series, but when we are between those two lines, we're competing. I mean, it felt good that tonight I could hit that homer against him. But like I said before, he's a great athlete.
Q. The first at-bat you got strikeout by the sweeper, and the second at-bat, like, you hit the home run off his sweeper. Were you aiming some specific pitch or what was your approach to at the second at-bat?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: No, I was just looking for a pitch to do damage, and I saw right it there up in the zone, and I could do damage.
Q. What's it been like to see Bo come back and contribute in such a big way after missing all that time?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, it's been 10 years I start playing with Bo, and having him back in the lineup -- not just for me, just for the entire team, he's a big lift, so I'm very happy that he's back.
Q. Considering the 18 innings and losing that game, how difficult was it to fall asleep and what time did you fall asleep yesterday?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: To be honest, I slept like a baby. You know, it was a long game. Yeah, it hurts when you lose a game like that, but I was so tired that I just went to sleep.
Q. What time did you get to sleep?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I don't know.
Q. What are you most proud of regarding your offense during this month, during this playoffs? What are you most impressed with yourself on?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: That I am helping my team win some games. That's what I'm impressed with right now.
Q. Basically after losing a game 18 innings last night and now down in the series, now for tonight, facing Shohei Ohtani tonight, basically what did you and the team have to do to overcome that loss last night and to get it going the rest of the series?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, like I always say, for me, it's one game at a time. The series isn't over. It's not over yet. I mean, it's the first one to win four games, so we just got to keep going, got to go out there, and keep competing, and whoever wins wins.
Q. You guys winning today guarantees that you guys get to go back to Toronto. What would it mean to win there in front of your fans?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, for me, it's important to win anywhere. I mean, if we win at home, of course it would be special. But like I say, we're focused on one game at a time and to win one game at a time right now.
Q. Does it help you and your teammates that you've now seen all the Dodgers pitchers and everyone you'll see in the rest of the series?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, for us, it's just normal regardless how many times we face the same pitchers. We're just trying to go out there and win games regardless of who we're facing that particular night. Like, we don't think about that.
Q. Big Papi gave you a shirt. Addison didn't keep it. Did you keep it?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I have it in my locker, and I'm going to use it tomorrow.
Q. It was so impressive how you guys were able to bounce back today. What do you feel the biggest difference is between this year's Blue Jays team and past teams that weren't as successful in the playoffs?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: Basically that the Blue Jays team for this year is winning and we're in the World Series.
Q. Talk to me about the value that Alejandro Kirk brings, not just for you, for the entire team this season.
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, to tell you the truth, for me, I mean, what he's doing right now, it doesn't impress me at all. I've been seeing Kirk since he signed, and I always say he's one of the top catchers in the league. But what he brings to the table, not just for me, for the entire team is a lot. He's always happy. I mean, going around making fun of people. But Kirky, he's one of the best.
Q. Trey pitching tomorrow, what's the level of confidence that the team has in him, and what are you going to expect from him?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I mean, even though he's 23 years old, like, what he's been doing right now, Trey is one of those guys that he goes up there and he gives you all he has, and that's what I expect from him tomorrow, not just me, my teammates. But, yeah, definitely he's -- I think he's going to have a great game tomorrow.
Q. Obviously, it's been a special October for you, but when you guys lose George, is there any sort of added responsibility you kind of feel to be a spark for the offense?
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.: I don't see it that way. I mean, I have to do my part. Everybody has to do their part. George, even though he's not in the lineup, like tonight he's in the dugout and supporting everyone, cheering for everyone.
But, no, I mean, the key here is everybody stay the same, keep doing what you're doing, and that's the way we're going to continue to play the series.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports