When you see each other as much as the Yankees and Red Sox do through a 162 games, there are no surprises when it comes to closer Mariano Rivera.
“The Sandman” is still the game’s best when push comes to shove in the ninth, but he’s been very hittable, especially in April, against the hard-hitting Red Sox the past few seasons.
That was the story last night as Rivera coughed up a two-out, game-tying home run to Jason Bay. It was the 61st blown save of Rivera’s career, 12th vs. the Red Sox – many of which have come at the beginning of the season.
“That’s a huge at-bat,” Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis told reporters in the post-game about Bay’s long ball that sent the game into extra innings. “If he just misses that ball, it’s ‘Game over.’”
Bay tied it 4-4 in the ninth, allowing Youkilis to play the role of hero in extras. He would go on to hit his second career walk-off in the 11th as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, 5-4. The last Red Sox player to hit an extra-inning walk-off homer vs. the Yankees was Jim Gosger on June 4, 1966 in the 16th inning.
With the extra inning win, the Red Sox and Yankees have each won 81 extra-inning games against each other with eight ties. It was Boston’s eighth consecutive victory.
The Yankees will try and bounce back today behind starter AJ Burnett, who will oppose Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
“The Sandman” is still the game’s best when push comes to shove in the ninth, but he’s been very hittable, especially in April, against the hard-hitting Red Sox the past few seasons.
That was the story last night as Rivera coughed up a two-out, game-tying home run to Jason Bay. It was the 61st blown save of Rivera’s career, 12th vs. the Red Sox – many of which have come at the beginning of the season.
“That’s a huge at-bat,” Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis told reporters in the post-game about Bay’s long ball that sent the game into extra innings. “If he just misses that ball, it’s ‘Game over.’”
Bay tied it 4-4 in the ninth, allowing Youkilis to play the role of hero in extras. He would go on to hit his second career walk-off in the 11th as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, 5-4. The last Red Sox player to hit an extra-inning walk-off homer vs. the Yankees was Jim Gosger on June 4, 1966 in the 16th inning.
With the extra inning win, the Red Sox and Yankees have each won 81 extra-inning games against each other with eight ties. It was Boston’s eighth consecutive victory.
The Yankees will try and bounce back today behind starter AJ Burnett, who will oppose Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
Notes: The Yankees placed right-hander Chien-Ming Wang on the 15-day disabled list after Friday night’s loss and recalled David Robertson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Robertson gives the Yankees another arm in the bullpen after the 11-inning loss to Boston. Phil Hughes is expected to be called up to pitch Tuesday in Detroit…The Bombers also played Cody Ransom (quadriceps) and Brian Bruney (elbow) on the DL, summoning infielder Angel Berroa and pitcher Mark Melancon from the minors to take their spots on the roster.
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