These 2 Royals were difference-makers Sunday. Here’s how they altered the game
In clutch moments, the Kansas City Royals know they can turn to backup catcher Freddy Fermin to deliver.
Fermin has done it all season.
Need a bunt? Call on Fermin. How about a defensive play? Fermin has the tools to throw a guy out or dial up the perfect strikeout plan for the Royals’ pitchers.
The Royals love Fermin’s skill-set. And on Sunday, he played an instrumental role as KC beat the Twins 2-1 at Target Field.
Fermin hit a RBI double to tie the game in the seventh inning. Later, he threw out Minnesota’s Trevor Larnach as the outfielder was trying to steal second base.
Both plays were huge momentum swings. Fermin, who is often regulated to backup duty behind catcher and team captain Salvador Perez, steps up when his name is called.
On Sunday, the Royals needed Fermin to be an unsung hero. And, sure enough, he found a way to affect the game.
“Freddy can do it all, man,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He is a leader and ... he doesn’t take any pitches off. He prepares on the defensive side as well as anybody I’ve seen. He can really throw.
“(H)uge hit for us. That was a two-strike hit, as well. Freddy is a really good competitor.”
Fermin helped Royals left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic navigate Sunday’s start. He was also behind the plate as reliever Taylor Clarke nailed down the final three outs.
“Freddy is always ready for that big moment,” Bubic said. “He’s always clutch and works his tail off to be able to produce in moments like that. He doesn’t shy away from anything.
“You see him back there — he is always really positive and really encouraging. For him to come through in that situation doesn’t surprise us because we see the work he puts in.”
Clarke also had a strong showing Sunday. He leaned on his veteran experience in navigating a one-run lead in the 10th inning.
The Royals summoned Clarke from the bullpen with a designated runner on second base. Clarke got Twins star Royce Lewis to pop up for the first out. Then he walked Twins pinch hitter Kody Clemens before getting two groundouts to end the game.
“Experience really is the greatest teacher,” Clarke said. “So just having been in it before, you kind of just don’t try to make too much of it. I think it’s all about being able to slow it down.”
The Royals had confidence in Clarke for that situation. They had already used closer Carlos Estévez and setup man Lucas Erceg had pitched the previous two days.
Clarke needed to shut the door. He did, earning his first save as the Royals improved to 29-26. They also avoided being walked off by the Twins for a third straight game.
“If you are going to win one, you might as well win the last one of the series,” Clarke said. “Good flight back and gives us momentum going into the homestand and stuff like that. Not getting walked-off again was real nice.”
The Royals finished .500 on this road trip. The offense continues to scuffle but KC found a way to earn a hard-fought victory over an American League Central rival.
Fermin and Clarke can take a bow after this one. The Royals battery-mates helped decide the game and were important contributors when the team needed them most.
“It was great for him and great for us,” Quatraro said of Clarke. “We have a lot of confidence in Clarke. Since he has been up here, he has thrown the ball exceptionally well.
“In a perfect scenario, he can get righties and lefties out. His velo has ticked up and the slider has been better, too.”
