DENVER -- 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."