Mariano Rivera made it extremely exciting for both Yankee and Red Sox fans on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.
He entered in the bottom of the ninth with the Yankees leading 4-2. Jason Varitek worked a walk and, following that, Mo was able to retire Hinske and Crisp on weak ground balls to the right side. Yankee fans let out a breath, but only for a second. Julio Lugo got on top of a fastball which got too much of the plate and lined it up the alley in left to score Varitek with a double. Rookie Jacoby Ellsbury was hit with the first pitch and Rookie of the Year candidate Dustin Pedroia worked a walk.
For Yankee fans, it was the worst possible match up, as arch nemesis David Ortiz (Big Papi) was up with the bases loaded and all that was needed was a single to win the game. Mo worked him to 2-2 and threw a perfect cutter which jammed Ortiz and made him pop up to short center field. Jeter caught it to end the game.
For Rivera, it was his 28th save in 31 save opportunities. It was the 441st career save for Rivera. His record is 3-4 and his season ERA now stands at 3.00. Rivera threw 29 pitches on the evening and did not have his best location, but got the huge out against the best clutch hitter in baseball when he desperately needed it.
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