Or maybe Oakland's own curse would do the trick. Despite their incredible record of success on a shoestring, the A's had lost every chance they'd been given in recent years to clinch a series - 6 games in a row. Oops, make it 0-7. The Sox get even for "the bunt" with 2 bizarre plays at the plate, then pull some 11th inning magic of their own to win Game 3 at home in Fenway. Even so, just 1 more loss will end the Sox' season. Ahead 4-3 in the 8th inning of Game 4, the A's seemed all set to break Boston's heart again... but David Ortiz, 0-for-16 in the series, made it 1-for-17 by smashing one off the wall. Sox 5, As 4. Boston holds on, and wins. The Fenway Faithful go wild. Which meant the A's were headed home to Oakland, 0-8 now in clinching games. The winner of this one goes on, the loser goes home. The A's have ace lefty Barry Zito on the mound, but they're up against Pedro Martinez himself. Pressure! And for once, it's not on the Red Sox. It may have been the most nerve-wracking game I've ever seen. Barry Zito matching Pedro pitch for pitch, and taking the early lead. Manny Ramirez' clutch 3-run homer to make it 4-2 Boston. The collision that sent Boston center fielder Johnny Damon off the field in an ambulance. The A's making it 4-3 in the 8th, then starting the 9th with 2 walks. Derek Lowe, the Red Sox former closer and now their #2 starter, is brought in to be a closer one more time. He gets 2 outs, but walks the bases loaded. One last batter. One last chance. And the winner is...