It looked as though Mo would not get a chance to appear in the weekend series vs. the Reds. Andy Pettitte pitched six strong innings before a 56 minute rain delay with the Yankees leading 1-0.
When play resumed, the Yankees were able to add three more runs with two coming on an opposite field double from Jason Giambi. With a 4-0 lead there was no save situation.
Edwar Ramirez worked a scoreless 7th and Kyle Farnsworth got the first two outs in the eighth. Then Ken Griffey, Jr. stepped to the plate in what could have been his last appearance at the current Yankee Stadium. He homered into the short right field porch and made the score 4-1, creating a save situation for Rivera.
The next batter hit a ball back through the box which Farnsworth stabbed at with his pitching hand and the ball deflected to A-Rod. He fielded it, but threw wide and the runner went to second. Farnsworth summoned the trainer and he left the game immediately. The Iceman was called and Mo delivered as usual. He faced Javier Valentin with two outs in the eighth and got him to hit back to the mound. Mariano picked it up and took it to the bag unassisted to end the inning.
In the ninth, there was a bit more drama. Joey Votto check swung at an inside cutter and the ball dribbled down the third base line for an infield single. Rookie sensation Jay Bruce fought off another cutter inside and looped the ball to right center to put two runners on without an out. Corey Patterson grounded to short with Jeter stepping on the bag for one out, but just missing the play at first as Patterson reached. Adam Dunn pinch hit and Mo caught him looking with a fastball on the outside corner for the second out. Norris Hopper was then the last hope and he bounced back to Mo, who threw to first to end the game.
The save is the 21st consecutive save of the season for Rivera in as many opportunities. It's also the 464th of his career. His 2008 season ERA now stands at 0.76.
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Moises Young Diaz wrote: