A Championship Decided

A CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDED in the last moments thrills one team and crushes the other. In the 2001 World Series, the New York Yankees saw their hopes dashed in the final at bat.

With the series tied at three games each, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling muzzled the defending world champions, taking a 1–0 lead into the seventh inning. But the Yankees tied on singles by Derek Jeter, Paul O’Neill, and Tino Martinez. Then the pinstripers went ahead 2–1 in the eighth on Alfonso Soriano’s home run.

Going with their best, New York brought in closer Mariano Rivera, who had converted 23 consecutive postseason saves over four years. The reliever shut down Arizona in the eighth.

But in the ninth, the Diamondbacks refused to lose. Mark Grace opened with a single, and Arizona put runners at first and second when Rivera threw wide of second base on Damian Miller’s sacrifice. Jay Bell reached on a fielder’s choice when pinch runner David Delluci was forced out at third.

With two on and one out, Tony Womack pulled an RBI-double down the right-field line, tying the game. Rivera hit Craig Counsell to load the bases. Then Luis Gonzalez blooped a single, scoring Bell for the 3–2 victory. Randy Johnson, the game six starter who closed out game seven for Arizona, earned his third win in a Series to become the first pitcher to achieve the feat since Mickey Lolich in 1968.

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POINT Coming back to take a lead in the eighth inning took the Yankees to the heights of expectation. Losing in the ninth plunged them to the depths of despair.

In life, our greatest disappointments often follow our highest expectations. We lose the game we’re favored to win. We receive the practical present instead of the gift we really wanted. Our best friend moves far away.

But no matter how we feel or where we find ourselves in life, the Bible is clear: Nothing can separate us from God’s love. We may feel outcast, low, and alone, but God is there.

GOAL! Think about a time you felt on top of the world. Now remember when you were in the dregs. Don’t forget that God is always with you. His love follows you wherever you go.