After Team Mexico fell to Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday, Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz returned to the clubhouse to finish out the sprint training slate with the Brewers.  

Ahead of Milwaukee’s Saturday matchup with the Colorado Rockies, Ortiz spoke with the media about his experience during the WBC. 

“It was great,” Ortiz said. “The games were like playoff experiences that I've had. And every game was electric, it felt like every game was important because it is. And yeah, it's pretty cool.” 

Ortiz embraced having a playoff-level atmosphere in March. 

“It's good, I mean, it felt like it got me into kind of a season routine early,” Ortiz added. “And get some meaningful games in, it was pretty cool.” 

Mexico fell to Italy 9-1, one day after the latter upset the United States team, 8-6. Against Italy, Ortiz went 1-for-1 with a walk.  

In hindsight, he said the game against the United States, which Mexico lost to on Monday, 5-3, was comparable to the Brewers’ National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs last season.  

“I mean, those games were pretty electric, and that one was up there for sure,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz also made it clear that facing the United States again was not on team Mexico’s radar when it was going to face Italy. 

“I mean, honestly, it wasn't even about USA,” Ortiz said. “I mean, as long as we win, we advance. So, it really didn't matter who got in other than that. We just were focused on winning, not anybody else.” 

Overall, it was a good experience that also provided Ortiz with something to learn from.  

“There's stuff you can learn from it,” Ortiz said. “But I think it was just cool to get that playoff type feel early in the season. And kind of get into the swing of things earlier than maybe what spring training would bring. 

“But yeah, it was a good experience.” 

Now, Ortiz is not taking any time off.  

“I'll be jumping back into workouts and stuff and sticking back into routine," he said. "And trying to get the body right to be ready for Opening Day.” 

Ortiz also praised his teammate, Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, on how he has been playing for Team USA so far. 

“I mean, he's doing what he normally does,” Ortiz said. “He's swinging the bat well; playing good defense. And to end our game, he made a sick play at the middle. 

“And I actually texted him the next day, ‘You had to end the game like that, huh?’" Ortiz said. "But he's just doing what he does and playing extremely good baseball on the field. I'm ready, he's ready.” 

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