Jasper Williams |
A virtual unknown, Jasper Williams spent most of the season in Triple-A. Heck, he was unremarkable in Triple-A for much of the year. He entered July as the Springfield Reformers backup first baseman, batting .234 with two home runs. His bat heated up in limited playing time in July and August, and when José Gonzáles went down with recurring back spasms in September, Williams got the call. In 14 September at-bats, he had six hits, including a pair of dingers against Cabo San Lucas.
Still, Williams's start tonight in the playoffs was just the fifth major league start of his career.
The home run capped an exciting, see-saw affair.
Jorge Rodríguez |
Boston ace Norm Jackson disappointed. He pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and six runs, and he left the game with the Cardinals trailing, 6-1.
Meanwhile, Maple's Roberto Martínez was sailing along. Over the first five innings, he allowed a single in the second and a solo home run off the bat of Alex Austin in the third.
Abel Baker |
Martínez left the game having surrendered eight runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Frank Powers |
Both bullpens impressed. Boston's bullpen retired Maple in order in the ninth, 10th, and 11th innings. Maple relievers retired 15 Cardinals in a row—in fact, the only hit that they allowed was the Jasper Williams walk-off home run.
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