After being injured for six weeks and relegated to pinch-hitting duties while playing in St. Louis for the World Series, Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig was an unlikely hero during Game 3.
2013 World Series: ‘I was just trying to make a play,’ Allen Craig says
Craig was the surprising hero in Game 3 as he scored the winning run after being injured for over six weeks.
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Craig scored the walk-off run in the ninth inning of Saturday night’s game on a crazy play. Here is video of the game winner:
Most people believe the call of obstruction that allowed Craig to score was the correct one. Still, Craig told Fox Sports Midwest that he initially was not sure exactly what had occurred.
MLB obstruction rule: Explaining Cardinals' freak Game 3 win
Connor Moylan explains the MLB obstruction rule and how the umps got it right in Game 3. "I could tell (something happened) I had to try to jump over [Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks]," Craig said following the game. "I don't know if he clipped me or not, it happened so fast. I was just trying to make the play."
Craig says he only knew he was safe when he saw the rest of his teammates run onto the field. Craig was coming off a Lisfranc injury in his left foot that still makes it difficult for him to run at full speed. After the play, he appeared to be a little shaken up and had to be helped off the field.
“I feel OK, a little sore,” he said. “Just trying to get home, I didn’t have much in the tank, to be honest with you. That’s probably the fastest I’ve tried to run in the past two months.”
“This is what you live for, to be able to contribute in World Series games. I’m glad I got the opportunity to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 3 of the World Series.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday night with first pitch at 8:15 pm ET. The Cardinals now hold a 2-1 lead.
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