MLB roundup: Rivera regroups just in time
That's when the New York Yankees closer found his classic form again.
Rivera pitched himself in and out of trouble Saturday, escaping a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the ninth inning and preserving a 2-1 victory.
"You can't have doubts," Rivera said. "You have to make pitches. If you have doubts, a lot of things can happen."
After Mike Mussina pitched six shutout innings, Rivera took over in the ninth with a 2-0 lead. Boston scored a run and was poised for more, but Rivera struck out Coco Crisp, got Jason Varitek on a popup and fanned Julio Lugo for his 23rd save.
"We gave ourselves a great chance with really good at-bats in the ninth and then Mariano went to work and really carved us up for three batters," Boston manager Terry Francona said. "He gave himself no wiggle room and he didn't need it."
The Red Sox were on the brink of capturing the first three of the four-game series and fourth in a row in the season series when Rivera escaped.
"It was a big game for us," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
Justin Masterson (4-3) hit three batters, threw a wild pitch and walked two, but managed to hold the Yankees in check in his six innings. The rookie right-hander allowed six hits in his first appearance against New York.
Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 13 games for Boston, which almost dealt the Yankees a heartbreaking loss.
"When you get bases loaded and nobody out, most of the time we're still playing," Francona said.
Mussina (11-6) allowed four hits and walked one in his first win over the Red Sox since June 5, 2006. He was 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA in his previous six games against Boston.
RAYS 3, ROYALS 0: At St. Petersburg, Fla., Andy Sonnanstine (10-3) pitched seven strong innings, Ben Zobrist homered again and Tampa Bay won its sixth straight. Zobrist homered for the third game in a row and the Rays increased their AL East lead to a season-high four games over second-place Boston. Tampa Bay has won 10 of 11. Sonnanstine (10-3) won his fourth consecutive decision. He allowed five hits, walked one and struck out two.
J.P Howell pitched the eighth inning and Grant Balfour worked the ninth for his third save.
Akinori Iwamura put the Rays ahead 2-0 with a two-out, two-run double in the second off Zack Greinke (7-5). Royals center fielder Joey Gathright made a dive and just missed catching the ball.
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