Yankees, Red Sox and an omen? Massachusetts lottery numbers have spooky connection to wild-card game

Boston Red Soxfans better hope Tuesday night's Massachusetts State Lottery numbers read 2-0-0-4, because the prior evening's draw wasn't so auspicious as far as the team's history is concerned.

Monday, on the eve of Boston's single-elimination wild-card game against theNew York Yankeesat Fenway Park, the four balls that popped up to denote a winner read as follows: 1-9-7-8.

In retrospect, a disclaimer foreboding superstitious Red Sox fans from reading any further probably would have been warrantedbefore divulging that eerie bit of information.

As those familiar with the storied Boston-New York rivalry know all too well, the year 1978 was one of the most significant in its history.

That season, both franchises finished tied for the division title. This occurrence predated the invention of the wild card, so the two met in a one-game tiebreaker at Fenway Park to determine who would advance to the American League Championship Series. It was the first true win-or-go-home game ever played between the rivals.

The Red Sox led 2-0 in the 7th after dominating through six innings. ... Then Bucky Dent happened.

The Yankees shortstop -- a .240 hitter with no power, who only had four home runs all season -- connected for a three-run homer to give New York the lead. The Yankees went on to win the game 5-4 and, eventually, the World Series.

Thus the legend of "Bucky F------ Dent" was born.

If the omen, er -- lottery numbers, weren't hard enough for Boston fans to stomach, there's also the news that Dent is in attendance for the game.

October baseball has truly never been one to shy away from the drama.

Tuesday night's wild-card showdown marks the fourth time the two teams have met in a win-or-go-home situation. In addition to 1978, there was Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS (won by the Yankees) and Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS (won by the Red Sox).Boston and New York also met in the 1999 ALCS (Yankees) and 2018 ALDS (Red Sox). Neither series went the distance.

It feels worth noting the winner of all five Red Sox-Yankees playoff series/tiebreaker games has gone on to reach the World Series. With the exception of the 2003 Yankees, they won it all each time (4 out of 5).

Can it be 8 p.m. ET now?