Mariano Rivera earned his 600th career save Tuesday night, slamming the door on his New York Yankees' 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.
The 41-year-old closer, who's enjoyed 12 All-Star considerations over his 17-year career, entered the game with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He struck out pinch hitter Wily Mo Pena before Ichiro Suzuki blooped a single into left field. Kyle Seager then went down on strikes before Ichiro busted for second with Dustin Ackley at the plate. Russell Martin was having none of that though, and threw a perfect strike to Derek Jeter to end the game.
The lifelong Bronx Bomber didn't get all crazy celebrating the milestone, nor did his teammates. There were no fist pumps, dogpiles, long standing ovations, or confetti falling from the New Yankees Stadium. Instead, Rivera and his team have their sights set on save no. 602.
He now sits just one save behind all-time MLB saves-leader Trevor Hoffman, who hung up his glove this winter after 18 seasons in the big leagues. Rivera, who is 1-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 41 saves in 46 chances this season, had this to say about his upcoming achievement:
“I don’t think like that. We need another game tomorrow. We’re in a pennant race.”
Humble as usual.
[Big League Stew]
2 comments:
He's a class act and will be missed by not only New Yorkers, but all of baseball.
WAY TO GO MO!!!
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