[Tim Wakefield] had baffled the Yankees throughout the series with a knuckleball that kept dipping, diving, and darting through the strike zone. But this one did nothing but hang and [Aaron Boone] hammered it into the left- field seats to give the Yankees a 6-5 victory and the American League pennant.

Boone did not start the game. Enrique Wilson got the nod to face Boston starter Pedro Martinez. Ruben Sierra pinch hit for Wilson in the eighth inning and Boone became "my defensive replacement," manager Joe Torre said with a laugh.

Boone said that Yankees coach Willie Randolph told him before the series he could be "our sleeper" in the series. After struggling to get any hits and being platooned with Wilson, Boone wasn't sure if Randolph could be correct.