He hadn't pitched since last Tuesday in Baltimore but Mariano converted his 39th save in 40 opportunities on Labor Day in the Bronx.

The game was a great pitcher's duel between CC Sabathia and Matt Garza with both pitchers only giving up one run in seven innings.

Phil Hughes took over for CC in the eighth and proceeded to walk Carl Crawford. However, Crawford tried to steal second on the first pitch and the Yankees pitched out and Posada just nailed him for the first out of the inning. Hughes finished the inning without giving up a run and set up the Yankees and Mo to win the game.

In the eighth Swisher led off with a single and moved to third on a sharp single from Teixeira. Texeira took second as Gabe Kapler bobbled the ball in right. A-Rod was intentionally walked but Cano got a sacrifice fly, Posada scorched a single to right to score a second run and then Hinske produced a sacrifice fly for the third run of the inning and a 4-1 lead.

In the ninth Mo walked Pat Burrell to lead off the inning but then got tough. He struck out Evan Longoria for the first out. Gabe Gross pinch hit and popped out weakly to third and Akinori Iwamura pinch hit and struck out swinging to end the game.

The save was the 35th consecutive for Rivera and 521st of his career. His season ERA now stands at 1.75.

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