Luis Gonzalez Won 2001 World Series with Game 7 Single as Diamondbacks Exploited Pettitte Tip
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Luis Gonzalez Won 2001 World Series with Game 7 Single as Diamondbacks Exploited Pettitte Tip
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
Game 7 turned on Luis Gonzalez’s bases-loaded bloop single off Mariano Rivera, capping Arizona’s 3-2 ninth-inning comeback for the 2001 World Series title.
A day earlier, Arizona had uncovered that Andy Pettitte tipped pitches from the stretch, and video coordinator Jim Currigan assembled 50 clips showing the tell before Game 6.
That edge showed immediately: Tony Womack kept pressure on Pettitte, Arizona reached base in the first three innings, and New York’s left-hander exited after 62 pitches in a 15-2 loss.
The finale still required another rally, with Womack’s game-tying double off Rivera setting up Gonzalez after the Yankees had erased Arizona’s 2-0 series lead with three straight wins.
The title came in the Diamondbacks’ fourth season and remains entwined with the post-Sept. 11 backdrop that made the 2001 Yankees sentimental favorites.