In 1986 , Schiraldi was in for the save and the championship. He got two outs then gave up three straight singles . All were hit over the infielders , but short of the outfielders. Had they been hit harder , they may well have been easy outs. If Buckner makes that play , the game is still tied and would have continued. The Sox may or may not have won. In 2004 , if Dave Roberts is picked off or thrown out stealing ( almost happened ) , the Sox would have been swept in four by the Yankees. A lot of close calls , near misses and what ifs . That's baseball.