Salvador Perez powers Royals to comeback victory over Yankees

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Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer off All-Star closer Clay Holmes in the ninth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 8-6 Sunday to avoid being swept in the season series.

Whit Merrifield walked with one out — Holmes’ eighth walk in his last eight games after he issued just five in his first 37 appearances. Bobby Witt Jr. was hit on the right hand with a pitch, forcing him from the game.

Perez, who struck out three times and popped out to the catcher in his first four at-bats, drove a 1-2 sinker 441 feet into Monument Park behind the center-field wall. It was the first home run allowed this year by Holmes, who was facing his 181st batter.

"He’s got such good sink and his numbers are so overwhelming," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "You just don’t see right-handers take a lot of good at-bats against him. Don’t tell that to Salvador Perez."

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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Taylor Clarke (45) celebrates with teammates after defeating the New York Yankees 8-6, in New York, Sunday, July 31, 2022.  (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Perezis hitting .296 with 33 homers in 686 career at-bats in late and close situations — in the seventh inning or later with the Royals either ahead by one run, tied or trailing with the tying or go-ahead run at the plate, on base or on deck.

"I like to compete — I’m going to do my best, I don’t care who’s on the mound," Perez said. "He’s got some good stuff, good sinker, good slider, both sides of the plate to righties, to lefties. This is the big leagues. If you make a mistake, someone’s going to get you."

Holmes (5-2) blew a save for the third