BOSTON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Mike Timlin threw three perfect innings and Trot Nixon hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th Saturday night as Boston beat Oakland 3-1
The win enabled the Red Sox to stay alive in their American League Division Series.
The Red Sox benefited from a pair of debatable calls, one in the second that led to their first run and another in the sixth that cost the Athletics a run. Oakland also hurt itself with four errors and a huge baserunning mistake by Eric Byrnes.
The Boston bullpen retired the last 14 Oakland hitters in order.
After starter Derek Lowe went seven innings, Timlin allowed just three balls out of the infield and struck out three in his longest outing of the season.
Oakland rookie Rich Harden started the 11th by retiring Kevin Millar. But Doug Mirabelli singled and Nixon, pinch-hitting for Gabe Kapler, homered.
