A-Rod's pinstripe swipe gives surreal feel to Game 6

"I've definitely seen it in Oakland. We thought this place was a little bit different," said Boston center fielder Johnny Damon, a lifelong American Leaguer who has played in Oakland both as a visitor and as a member of the Athletics. "But I thought the umpires got all the calls right."

What else would you expect from the Red Sox clubhouse? The two times the umpires met to discuss a call, they reversed it in Boston's favor.

"I don't know," Rodriguez said. "I'll tell you, that was a big moment. That changed the game from 4-3 with a runner on second and one out (back to 4-2 with two out and a runner on first).

"I don't want those umpires to meet anymore. When they do, it goes against the Yankees."

No telling what will happen in Game 7 Wednesday, but here is one clue: After the controversial play at first, Arroyo said he didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the beer bottles that were raining down onto the field.

"I wasn't worried about the trash," Arroyo said. "I was worried about getting a new ball and rubbing it up to face (Gary) Sheffield."

Which Arroyo did, and he induced the slugger to sky a pop foul back to the catcher.

As usual, the devil was in the details. Whatever is happening, wind or rain or sleet or angry fans hurling things, there is one tiebreaking game left in what has developed into a thriller of a series and there are two darn good lineups that could claim a World Series ticket with any given at-bat.

So, which is more scary? Dodging trash coming from the stands or facing Sheffield?

"For me, definitely facing Sheffield," Arroyo said. "Bottles coming of the stands, I wasn't worried about."

And as for A-Rod slapping at his arm?

"I thought it was a little unprofessional," Arroyo said. "But these are desperate times."