The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Former Red Aaron Boone started the World Series on the highest of highs. It didn't end that way.

Boone was the hero of the American League Championship Series with his 11th-inning, game-winning home run in Game 7.

In Game 6 of the World Series, Boone was lifted for pinch-hitter Ruben Sierra with a runner at second and two outs in the seventh.

Josh Beckett struck out Sierra on four pitches.

Boone was 0-for-1 with a sacrifice bunt in the Game 6. For the series, he was 3-for-21 (.143) and 9-for-53 (.173) in the postseason.

KEEP 'EM INTACT: Maybe the Marlins could be more than just a one-year wonder. Florida catcher Ivan Rodriguez would love to see ownership keep the team intact.

"We have very good players in this clubhouse, and I think if this team stays together the way it is, I think they can be like the Yankees, they can win pretty much every year in the playoffs and win more World Series," Rodriguez said.

One key component is Rodriguez, a 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. He can become a free agent again after the season.

"We don't talk about that right now," he said.

VIEW FROM THE TOP: Even before Game 6 of the World Series was played, commissioner Bud Selig viewed the postseason as a success.

Selig said the highlights for him thus far were Aaron Boone's home run off Boston's Tim Wakefield that won the AL pennant for the New York Yankees, and Ivan Rodriguez's tag of San Francisco's J.T. Snow, which won Florida's first-round series.

"It's been stunning and remarkable," Selig said. "The drama has continued to build."

YOUNGEST WINNER: Marlins right-hander Josh Beckett, 23, became the youngest pitcher to win a clinching game in the World Series since 21-year-old Bret Saberhagen for Kansas City in Game 7 against St. Louis in 1985.