Worcestershire paceman Charlie Morris picked up three wickets on the final day of the LV = County Championship clash with Hampshire at New Road which appeared to be heading for a draw at tea.
Morris removed Will Smith and James Vince in a lively pre-lunch spell from the New Road end.
He then switched ends after lunch and also dismissed Glenn Maxwell. But Michael Carberry's fifth championship hundred against Worcestershire appeared to be steering the visitors to safety.
The England opener reached three figures off 192 balls with 17 fours and a six.
He was eventually trapped lbw by Joe Leach for 125 as Hampshire, who followed on 183 behind, reached 272-5 by the interval – a lead of 89.
Hampshire resumed on 31-1 but in effect they were two wickets down as spinner and overnight nightwatchman Danny Briggs had returned south for the impending birth of his first child.
Morris entered the attack at 66-1 and immediately made a breakthrough when Will Smith (11) shouldered arms and was bowled.
James Vince looked in good nick but after making 16 he became the second victim of the morning for Morris. The Hampshire vice-captain drove at Morris and was trapped lbw for 16 to leave Hampshire on 88-3.
Carberry reached his half century off 106 balls with 10 fours out of 111-3.
Hampshire resumed after lunch on 147-3 and Carberry and Maxwell continued to score freely. Maxwell's 50 came off 44 balls with eight fours and a six and Hampshire ensured Worcestershire would have to bat again in the 55th over.
A two off Shaaiq Choudhry took Carberry to his 100 from 192 deliveries with 17 boundaries and a six.
Morris continued to plug away and was rewarded when Maxwell (85) was trapped lbw to end a stand of 149 in 33 overs with Carberry.
