Baseball trivia for a slow night

Here's an easy teaser.

We played for the same franchise

Change one letter in player A's first name and one letter in Player A's last name and you have player B.

We each hit game-winning home runs in the third game of a playoff series to help our team gain the World Series.

Who are we?

 

Freakin' Yankees?

 

Not Yankees.

 

The most memorable game three homer I can think of is George Brett in 1980. At least I think it was game three. Boy I wish we had some Royals fans here to confirm that!!!

 

I predict Buck Weaver will answer this correctly.

 

7th inning Game 3 at YS off Goose... 3-run shot.. high fastball.. tomahawked the mother to deep right.

 

I remember coming home from school to see that. My dad was giddy when he got home. He thought for sure the Yankees were going to come back and win the series.

Then Dick Howser resigned to pursue real estate opportunities.

 

We'll let this percolate overnight, I'll be back in the AM to award grades and to congratulate the winner.

 

Both players hit game-winning homers in the third game of a playoff series that immediately preceded their team playing in that year's World Series. Both of which their respective team promptly lost, I might add.

 

Oh that's a good hint. Thanks!