Oct. 19 Ryan Merritt postgame interview

Q. Did you hear what Jose had said about you shaking in your boots prior to this baseball game? And then I understand that’s hyperbole, your thoughts on getting a start in the ALCS, what he had said, the moment, how you had pitched and how does it feel now? I know that’s a lot.

RYAN MERRITT: I heard it. But I didn’t let it affect me or get to me. I mean, that’s a good lineup. I guess he’s got a right to say it. It’s my first start. But the emotions out there were kind of crazy at first, a little nervous.

But it settled down, just trusted myself, stayed within myself, didn’t let the — tried not to let the crowd get to me too much, trusted my defense and just be myself out there.

Q. How much did the crowd at Rogers Centre play into the game? Did you try to take them out of it early?

RYAN MERRITT: Well, I got to see the first two games here so I kind of knew what to expect. But when you actually get out there on the mound it is a different feeling, you know? The crowd is loud but in order to pitch well you’ve got to tune it out, focus on what you’re doing, relax and just pitch and try to have fun.

Q. You went from pitching a good year last week to pitching a clinching game to go to the World Series this week. Could you even put into words what this has …

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