David Fry’s Sixth‑Inning Heroics Against Garrett Crochet Lift Guardians
Fry’s Clutch Performance
In the middle of a tightly contested game at Fenway, the Cleveland Guardians leaned on their versatile utility player David Fry to break the deadlock. With two outs in the top of the sixth, Fry faced Boston’s hard‑throwing left‑hander Garrett Crochet, who had been dominating hitters with a cutter clocked at 89.3 mph and a spin rate of 2,466 rpm. Fry connected solidly, sending the ball 376 feet to left‑center for a two‑run homer that pulled the Guardians within a run, 5‑4.
The blast marked Fry’s seventh long ball of the 2025 campaign and showcased a perfect blend of exit velocity (97.8 mph) and launch angle (29°). The shot not only brought Angel Martinez home but also underlined Fry’s growing reputation as a late‑inning threat, especially against pitchers who rely on high velocity and sharp movement.
What It Means for Cleveland
Fry’s emergence comes at a crucial juncture for the Guardians, who have been fighting to stay within reach of a postseason berth. The 29‑year‑old from Colleyville, Texas, was a seventh‑round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 after a standout stint at Northwestern University. Since joining Cleveland, his ability to swing the bat from multiple positions has added depth to a lineup often plagued by injuries.
Beyond the raw numbers, Fry’s clutch knock against a pitcher of Crochet’s caliber—who is known for his elite velocity and strikeout proficiency—signals that the Guardians have a reliable option when the game hangs in the balance. Fantasy managers have taken note as well; Fry’s versatility and recent power surge make him a valuable pickup in deeper leagues, where bench depth can swing a season.
Garrett Crochet, despite the setback, remains one of the league’s premier left‑handed arms, boasting a career ERA below 3.00 and a reputation for missing bats. Fry’s ability to adjust to Crochet’s cutter demonstrates a level of plate discipline that bodes well for future matchups. As the Guardians look ahead to the final stretch of the season, Fry’s performance offers a glimpse of the kind of late‑game firepower the club needs to stay competitive.