McGwire, Athletics Spoil Celebration

A game-tying home run by Oakland’s Mark McGwire in the ninth inning and two run-scoring singles in the 12th ruined New York’s celebration of its World Series title, as the Athletics won the Yankee home opener, 3-1, on Friday.

McGwire hit Mariano Rivera’s first pitch into the black section of empty bleachers in center field, only the 13th ball ever hit there.

Yankee reliever Jeff Nelson (0-3) hit Damon Mashore leading off the 12th and Mashore stole second with two outs. Rafael Bournigal then singled to left and Mashore was safe when catcher Joe Girardi couldn’t hold the throw from Mark Whiten. Bournigal took second on Whiten’s throw and scored on Scott Brosius’ single.

David Cone got his second consecutive no-decision despite pitching brilliantly against Oakland--again. Cone, who has blanked the Athletics in his last 21 innings against them, struck out 12 in seven-plus innings. But after walking the leadoff hitter in the seventh, Cone was lifted.

Mike Stanton and Brian Boehringer got the Yankees through the eighth before Rivera, who couldn’t get his first pitch by McGwire in the ninth.

It was the third blown save this season for Rivera, who is having trouble adjusting to his new role as closer, something the Angels might be able to take advantage of in the upcoming series with the Yankees.