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It was a crooked number in the third that broke it open the next night. We went up 7-2 and built a 12-3 lead.
But the Giants came back on Tim Belcher.
It was 12-6 and the Giants had the bases loaded with just one out.
"James! Go end this damn thing!"
And there were some cheers as I came out of the bullpen to face Rob Deer.
No pressure. No pressure.
We had a little give and take as the count went to 2-2 before he fouled one to the back of the screen.
Then the slider fooled him and he was caught standing like a statue as the ump signaled strike three.
Randy Kutcher was next. The crowd was on their feet. They really wanted a strikeout to end this game.
Foul behind the screen.
The noise died a bit and then started to rise again.
Ball one.
Complete silence.
I took a deep breath. Closed my eyes. I looked deep in my mind for Beth's smile. Let loose the pitch.
Called strike!
The stadium shook as over 26,000 fans stood and stomped and clapped.
I closed my eyes again. Focused. Let loose the pitch.
Swing and a miss.
Strike three!
The game was over!
We had won 12-6!
Immediately, reporters gathered around John Kruk who had tied an NL record with 7 RBI in the game. Tony Gwynn had tied a team record for runs scored in a game with four.
Gladly, I slid behind them and out of the spotlight as the reporters talked to the two heroes of the game.
"James," Coach Jackson shook my hand. "I can't wait until you are ready to be the ace of this rotation!"
Woah....
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