Europe require another Ryder Cup miracle of sorts if they are to overhaul USA's three-point advantage and retain the title at Hazeltine.
The scores were briefly tied in Minnesota thanks to victory for Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters to kick off Saturday's fourballs session, but the host nation pulled ahead to lead 9½-6½ at the end of play.
Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed won their respective clashes, as did Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar on an incredible day of action which would ultimately end in disappointment for the Europeans.
The United States now require five points from the 12 singles matches on Sunday to win the Ryder Cup for the third time in the past 23 years, with their opponents - who recovered from a 10-6 deficit after two days at Medinah in 2012 - needing 7½ if they are to make it four in a row.