Divisional Series: Boston vs. Maple, Game Three

October 4: Maple 4, Boston 3. The Cardinals get so very close, but they can't quite capture the magic. The Marauders use speed and small ball to win game three and put themselves only one game from the Munson League Championship Series.

With Maple ahead by one run in the bottom of the ninth, Cardinal Jorge Esparza doubles in Javier Ramón, tying the game. A pair of walks later, with the bases loaded and one out, Will Bauer comes to the plate.

Bauer, who missed the first two games of this series with an ankle injury, returned to Boston's lineup tonight. The Cardinal faithful hoped that he would be able to spark the offense. Bauer hits a hard grounder to Don Strickland at first, who throws home for the second out. Brandon Wilson then strikes out Alex Austin to end the inning. Bauer goes 0-for-6 on the night.

Tom Hunter

In the 12th, Tom Hunter, a young shortstop who entered the game as a defensive replacement, walks and steals second. Anthony Shelton pokes a single to left, and the speedy Hunter beats the throw home.

Ramón Costello retires the Cardinals in order in the bottom of the 12th.

Frank Powers

Speed earned the Marauders their first run. Frank Powers led off the game with a walk, went to second on a ground out, stole third, and came home on a ground ball to second.

Boston ties the game, 1-1. Dave Lane doubles, moves to third on a ground ball, and comes home on Ramón's sacrifice fly.

Maple retakes the lead, 2-1. Shelton doubles, and Cal Hines singles him in.

Boston ties the game, 2-2. Abel Baker doubles, and George White singles him in.

Maple retakes the lead, 3-2. Alfredo Valdéz doubles, and Powers singles him in, setting the table for the dramatic ninth inning.

Roberto Martínez

Marauder ace Roberto Martínez allows two runs over seven innings. Nathan Wilson pitches eight innings but gives up three runs.

Tomorrow night, Boston will try to avoid the sweep. They will turn to Norm "Cheers" Jackson while Maple counters with southpaw Jesse George.