Mariano Rivera sets saves record

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera set the major league record with his 602nd career save, pitching a perfect ninth inning Monday to preserve New York’s 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins.

With fans in Yankee Stadium standing and cheering from his first pitch to his last, Rivera retired Trevor Plouffe, Michael Cuddyer and Chris Parmelee to end it.

The 41-year-old Rivera tied Trevor Hoffman with save No. 601 on Saturday in Toronto. The Yankees lost Sunday, putting Rivera in line to get the milestone in the Yankees’ last homestand of the season.

After the last out was recorded, catcher Russell Martin (a former Dodger) came out to the mound, placed the ball in Rivera’s glove and gave him a big hug.

Rivera waved, blew a kiss and then doffed his cap to the afternoon crowd that was short of capacity but full of anticipation once the Yankees headed into the late innings with a close lead.

Rivera seems a lock to make the Hall of Fame. Just five pitchers who were primarily relievers are in the Hall: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004), Bruce Sutter (2006) and Rich Gossage (2008).

ALSO:

Nick Adenhart’s legacy lives on in Baltimore

Baltimore’s Alfredo Simon throws at Torii Hunter, Mark Trumbo

-- Houston Mitchell