Q. When you got the word that you were going tomorrow, what were your emotions, your thoughts at that point?
LANCE McCULLERS JR.: I was throwing in the field, actually. Because they had told me that I was hot today, just if the situation called for it. So I threw after the game and Cora came out and Strom came out and told me. But I was aware that Game 4 was a good chance for me. A.J. told me before the series that was most likely going to go at 3 or 4.
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Q. How special is it for you to be out in this situation?
LANCE McCULLERS JR.: It's a big game for us. It's a big game for the team. Yankees have a great home record. And are a great team. And we do the job putting ourself in the situation getting up 2-0. We knew it was going to be hard-fought innings, hard-fought games. It's a big situation to be able to pitch in, put us within a game of the World Series.
Q. After all you've been through in this season?
LANCE McCULLERS JR.: It's awesome. I was here before in 2015, when I had the opportunity to help us get to the ALCS. And I felt good in that game. And I've been feeling like myself a lot more lately, just preparation and the way my body has been feeling. Pretty excited to be probably the best I've been and get the ball.
Q. That's what I was going to ask you. You're back to where you felt like when you were at your best in the first half of the season?
LANCE McCULLERS JR.: Absolutely. The last game in Boston, I know those two runs came across after I got taken out of the game. But up to that point I just felt like I was in control again. I felt like I was dictating the game on my terms a lot more. I felt like I have been in a whirlwind that second half when I've been out there. I just feel confident with my pitches and my stuff again, and I'm ready to go out there tomorrow.

Q. I know it's a different situation, but you were very strong back here in May. Do you take anything away from that start as you prepare for this one?
LANCE McCULLERS JR.: I was pretty good in May this year. Thankfully. But, no, this is a different time. It's a different game. I think the only thing to take away from that is I've already pitched in Yankee Stadium in front of a pretty big crowd. This is New York, this is the biggest and brightest lights. I've already been able to go into that game and come out with success. Tomorrow is a different animal. I don't think anyone is kind of shying away from the magnitude of the revocations that tomorrow can bring. But at the same time I look forward to the challenge.