Mussina Is Oh-So-Close

Mike Mussina was one strike away. Then, he lost it.

Mussina’s bid for the first perfect game in the 89-year history of Fenway Park was broken up with two out in the bottom of the ninth by pinch-hitter Carl Everett’s single Sunday night in the New York Yankees’ 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

“Yeah, I was disappointed,” Mussina said. “I’m still disappointed. That’s the second time I’ve been to the ninth and I didn’t get it either time. So it’s probably not meant to be.”

Mussina (14-11) threw two quick strikes to Everett, who took a ball before hitting a soft liner to left-center field.

“I was inside hitting off the tee in case they called me,” Everett said. “It was very satisfying to get the hit.”

Mussina, who had battled pitch-for-pitch with David Cone--the last person to throw a perfect game--tilted his head slightly and gave a half-smile as he watched the ball land well in front of charging left fielder Chuck Knoblauch.

“I was trying to throw him a high fastball,” Mussina said. “I threw it pretty much where I wanted to and he fought it off.”

Mussina, who struck out 13, retired Trot Nixon on a grounder to finish his fourth career one-hitter.

A ninth-inning error set up the only run, and the American League East-leading Yankees sent Boston to its eighth loss in a row.