In The Box

Mets 9, Yankees 8
July 10, 1999

The Yankees hit six home runs last Saturday that traveled a combined 2,392 feet. The Mets won the game in the ninth by two inches on two plays. With two out and the bases loaded, pinch hitter Matt Franco was frozen by Yankees closer Mariano Rivera's 0 and 2 cut fastball that appeared to blaze over the outside corner. "My heart stopped for half a breath," said Franco. Plate umpire Jeff Kellogg called it a ball, and Franco laced the next pitch into right for a two-run, game-winning single.

He wouldn't have had the chance if not for another close play three batters earlier. With one out and a runner on first, Edgardo Alfonzo hit a fly ball that centerfielder Bernie Williams seemed to have a bead on. But the ball glanced off Williams's glove, turning what should have been the second out into a double.