2001 Game 7: facing Rivera with the season at stake

A one-run deficit in Arizona

Arizona trails New York 2–1 in the bottom of the ninth. Mark Grace leads off against Mariano Rivera. Getting the tying run aboard changes the options available to the manager, but it does not eliminate the cost of an out. A solo home run ties the game; a walk or single creates decisions for the hitters and runners who follow.

Use information without inventing certainty

Rivera’s cutter identity is represented by a historical repertoire model. The displayed velocity and usage are estimates where a measured pre-opening sample is unavailable. That distinction matters: knowing the general pitch shape is not the same as knowing the next pitch. Choose an approach with the count and the batter in mind rather than treating a famous pitch as either unhittable or guaranteed contact.

Remember the next defensive inning

If Arizona ties the score, the game continues. This is a non-DH lineup, so using a pinch hitter in the pitcher’s batting slot requires a pitching solution before the next defensive inning. Inspect available relievers and their previous workload. The model records Randy Johnson’s work on the preceding day; that information should affect how you evaluate an option, even when the pitcher’s season statistics are excellent.

The batting order at takeover

The Arizona Diamondbacks batting order below reflects the chosen opening, including substitutions already made. The first hitter shown in the matchup above is due now; the order below stays in its normal batting slots.

1. Tony Womack SS
2. Craig Counsell 2B
3. Luis Gonzalez LF
4. Matt Williams 3B
5. Steve Finley CF
6. Danny Bautista RF
7. Mark Grace 1B
8. Damian Miller C
9. Randy Johnson P

What the simulation changes

The historical opening supplies the score, inning, lineup, available players, and recorded pitch counts. Your choices influence a modeled finish. Fielding and throwing errors use conservative one-base advances; passed balls, injuries, out-of-play throwing awards, and double switches are not modeled. Earlier seasons have incomplete tracking and may omit unused eligible players. Estimates are identified in the game’s scouting and data notes.