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Marlins Tie World Series on 12th Inning Home Run - 2003-10-23


The Florida Marlins beat the New York Yankees, 4-3, toeven the best-of-seven Major League Baseball World Series at two games each. The win spoiled the start of Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens career, who was making his final appearance as a player in a major league baseball game.

It took 12 innings, but the Florida Marlins tied the series when Marlins shortstop, Alex Gonzalez hit a game-winning home run after four hours and three minutes of play.

After the game, Marlins manager Jack Mckeon told reporters after the game he was glad his shortstop ended his hitting slump at exactly the right moment. "You know this guy has got 17 or 18 home runs during the season. He just fell into a rut and could not get out," he said. "Maybe this is just the tonic that he needs."

Wednesday nights' game was the final appearance for Roger Clemens, a 300-game winner and future Hall-of-Fame inductee, who ended his 20-year career with a loss, after winning 19 games this season. Game 5 is Thursday in Miami, when Yankees pitcher David Wells faces Brad Penny of the Marlins.

The Marlins took an early lead Wednesday night. Florida scored a later run, but the Yankees responded after third baseman Aaron Boone drove in outfielder Bernie Williams. Ruben Sierra tied the game in the ninth inning when he hit a two-run triple for the Yankees.

Florida's capacity crowd of 65,000 gave New Yorker Roger Clemens a standing ovation as he exited the field. The legendary pitcher responded by waving his glove and then coming out of the Yankees dugout to tip his hat.

The Florida Marlins are seeking their second World Series title in only their second appearance. The New York Yankees are trying to win their 27th World Series title in 39 appearances. This is The Yankees fifth World Series appearance in the past six years.

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