Ratto: Falling fast

ByABC News
March 28, 2001, 3:00 PM

— -- OAKLAND, Calif. -- It wasn't much of a chance, true, but it was the best thing the Oakland A's had going for them Tuesday night -- the bases loaded, two outs, and Erubiel Durazo at the plate. Hope oozed from every filled seat in Happy Valley Coliseum, and the vibe was rich.

Only Durazo popped up, and besides, the Seattle Mariners were already leading, 7-2, and besides besides, the Anaheim Angels had already toolboxed Texas two hours earlier, so the American League West was already tied. Come to think of it, the vibe really wasn't much of anything, and there wasn't much hope at all.

Thus convinced, the largest share of the crowd of 18,583 streamed out of the building, freshly redisgusted by their stuttering heroes. There are only five games left for each team, but there are tiny hints that the customers may not have the full stomach for this.

The A's, you see, have been notoriously good closers these past four years, not only clearing out the divisional competition but giving their patrons fresh illusions every season about the World Series.