Carl Pavano is like the phoenix rising from the ashes. The much maligned and criticized Yankee hurler pitched six outstanding innings on Friday night and gave up only one run. He left the game leading 2-1 and the bullpen of Bruney, Marte, Ramirez, Veras and, of course, Mo shut down the Blue Jays as the Yankees won, 2-1.
Rivera entered in the eighth inning with two on and only one out, in relief of Veras. Mo got Joe Inglett to ground in to a force play for the first out. With runners on first and third, Rivera then struck out Marco Scutaro swinging to end the inning. Scutaro had taken Mo deep last April 15th - in walk off fashion.
In the ninth, Mariano had to face the heart of Toronto's order. He struck out Alex Rios swinging for the first out. Vernon Wells went with an outside cutter and singled to right. Adam Lind struck out looking and Lyle Overbay hit the first pitch to short which Jeter turned into a 6-4 force play to end the game.
For Rivera, it's his 32nd save of the season in 33 save opportunities and the 475th save of his career. He is now only three saves behind Lee Smith for second place on the all time career saves list. He lowered his season ERA to 1.46.
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