DENVER (AP) -The Colorado Rockies rely on catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s calming influence and easygoing manner behind the plate.
If he contributes at the plate as well, that’s just fine, too.
Torrealba hit a two-out, three-run homer in the sixth inning to break open the game as the Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 in Game 3 of the NL championship series on Sunday night to move within a game of sweeping the series.
After homering off Arizona starter Livan Hernandez in the sixth inning, Torrealba’s exuberance was on display. He pumped his fist in the air as he rounded first base and was mobbed by teammates near the dugout.
The crowd cheered loudly for Torrealba and didn’t quiet down until he popped his head out of the dugout for a curtain call. Torrealba’s homer was his first of the postseason.
He also had a double Sunday night and is 8-for-21 so far in the postseason. Torrealba may be the least-known name in the Rockies’ lineup, but he’s leading the team in playoff hits.
Not that Colorado’s pitchers care about how he hits.
“We as a pitching staff love that guy,” reliever Matt Herges said. “He’s a thinker. He could go 0-for-20 behind the plate and it wouldn’t even matter.”
Torrealba realizes his primary role is to settle down the pitching staff in times of crisis.
And he’s good at it. He’ll jog out and say a comforting word to a pitcher on the mound or just simply motion to a pitcher that he is dipping his shoulder too much.
His Rockies have a 1.77 ERA through six postseason games.
“He’s on the same page with all of us,” reliever Ryan Speier said. “You just trust whatever he calls. He’s great back there.”
So much so that his bat gets overlooked, especially with all of the Rockies’ offensive threats.
Torrealba, who usually bats eighth in the order, hit .255 in the regular season with eight homers and 47 RBIs.
“I’ve had a lot of wonderful catchers, but Torre ranks up there,” Herges said. “He’s such a calming influence. I love to see him back there.”
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