Giants Mistakenly Sell Pence 'Triple-Hit' Bat For $400
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - The bat shattered as Hunter Pence lined a double to clear the bases in Monday's National League Championship Series clinching win over the St. Louis Cardinals was quickly sold by an AT&T Park vendor shortly after the now-famous play, according to published reports.
On Pence's hit that highlighted a five-run third inning rally that propelled the Giants to a 9-0 victory over the Cardinals in Game 7, his bat broke at the label on impact, then the broken barrel hit the ball twice more. That put a rolling, slicing spin on the ball and caused it to change directions – leaving Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma little chance to make the play. Kozma broke to his right, figuring that's where the ball would go, but it instead curved to left-center. All three base-runners would eventually score on the play.
According to Andrew Baggarly of CSN Bay Area, the bat disappeared shortly after the play, only to turn up for sale at the game-used merchandise stall behind section 119 later in the game, where it quickly sold for $400, far less than its current presumed value.
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Pence, who reportedly named the bat "Fryer," said he had hit a home run with the bat in St. Louis, and was hoping to keep it after the play.
According to Baggerly, that may now happen. A season ticket holder has contacted the Giants and said he now has the bat and wants Pence to have it.
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