Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte Tie Record in New York Yankees Win
April 22, 2009 · Lenny Neslin · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Mariano Rivera’s save in the Yankees’ win last night marked the 57th time he has recorded a save when Andy Pettitte starts.
This ties the record for win-save combinations, originally set by Dennis Eckersley and Bob Welch. The 5-3 victory improves the Yankees’ record to 8-6, while the Athletics fall to 5-8.
Quick ‘Cap
Brett Gardner made the No. 3 play on SportsCenter with his diving catch toward center field in the first inning off Jason Giambi.
Then in the second inning, Gardner did it with the bat when he drove in two runs, starting a four-run rally that proved to be the difference in the game.
The A’s mustered a small rally in the fourth off Pettitte, but they could only manage two runs against the lefty. They scored one more off Brian Bruney in the eighth, but Rivera closed the game out for the fourth time this season.
Thoughts
It was a nice win for the Yanks after last night’s rainout. This makes two straight wins after absorbing the 22-4 beating from the Indians last Saturday.
Maybe that loss did more good than bad for the team, because it showed them exactly how not to win.
Meanwhile, Xavier Nady will not need surgery, as he only has a partially torn ligament, according to Jon Heyman. Some might say Nady’s loss is not that bad for the Yanks because of Swisher’s surprising start, but I disagree.
Having Nady in the lineup or on the bench puts less pressure on Swish and adds depth to the team, which means a lot.
Offensive Notables
—Gardner really provided the spark the Yankees needed in the first inning, and then showed up on the offensive side as well. After he drove in the Yanks’ first two runs, he stole second base, his fourth of the season.
—Johnny Damon had a nice game, going 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI.
Pitching Notables
—Pettitte moves to 2-0 on the season, and has turned in three excellent starts. Despite striking out zero batters, he only gave up two runs and watched his ERA rise to 2.53.
—Rivera converted his fourth save in as many chances, and has yet to allow a run. You cannot ask for more from him.
Up Next
CC Sabathia will make his second bid at his first win at the new Yankee Stadium today at 1:05 p.m. Sabathia (1-1) will face Oakland’s Brett Anderson (2-1). Lineups and updates later.
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