5
“You shoulda been there, Grant. Bruce was at his finest,” Carlos said. “Three-hit the Bosox.
We’re winning one to nothing, but in the ninth Dieter is tiring. He gives up a base hit, then two walks. Bases are loaded with one out. Manager comes out. Looks like Bruce is done but somehow he convinces the man to let him stay in. He strikes out the next batter. Big Papi comes up to bat and takes Bruce to a three and oh count. A walk ties the game and throwing the ball down the middle of the plate for a strike is what Papi’s hoping for. A pitch he can smash to put the Sox ahead. Know what happens next?”
I do because I read the sports page, but I don’t want to ruin it for Carlos. “Tell me.”
“He picks off the guy at first. We’re all focused on the batter. Even the runner. And then, boom! It a
