- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Oct. 17 Mike Napoli, Jason Kipnis postgame interview
- Updated: October 18, 2016
Q. There’s been so much talk about your bullpen this entire postseason run. Did that group even top itself, what it did tonight?
MIKE NAPOLI: I mean, for them to come out, Bauer goes out, one or two outs, for them to come in and pitch the way they did, our game, it’s pretty unbelievable. It’s the reason why we were able to win that game, especially a lot of those guys, they weren’t — they haven’t pitched in a long time. We had a simulated game before we left to come over here. For them to step in, I think you’ve got to give a lot of credit to Roberto Perez behind the plate being able to get those guys to execute pitches. And just seemed like Tito had the right matchups for the right part of the lineup.Q. When we talked yesterday you said you were just one swing away, obviously you were. Can you explain why you got so good at-bat?
MIKE NAPOLI: It’s how I’ve been my whole career. I’ve gone through some pretty long slumps. I’ve gone through some long hot streaks. And it’s just who I am. I’m a grinder. It doesn’t matter if I do good or bad, the next day I come here to work. We’re up 2-0, so I wasn’t feeling so bad. But to be able to contribute and help us win tonight, it feels good.Q. It seems nothing has rattled you guys in the postseason. This is a pretty big blow to lose your starter four batters in. What’s the mindset that this keeps you guys rolling along?
MIKE NAPOLI: I mean, we believe in everybody here. All year we had guys stepping in, filling in spots that were tough spots to come in and try to fill big shoes, and they did that all year. And we’ve come together as a group, as one, starting from Spring Training. It didn’t happen overnight but going through the year we found our identity, how we play with each other and I think as a lineup we complement each other very well to win ballgames. It’s the little things. We know that we’re not …
