New York — The New York Yankees kept their cool after Mariano Rivera blew a save for the first time in more than four months. They simply turned to another player they've always relied on in the clutch.
Bernie Williams hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, and the Yankees overcame Rivera's first blown save since the third game of the season to beat the fading Texas Rangers, 7-5, Saturday.
Rivera had converted a career-best 31 consecutive saves before allowing two runs in the ninth - one day after the Yankees didn't use him in a save situation because he had been overworked of late.
"I felt great for him," Williams said. "It was great for us to pick him up."
Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield each homered and drove in two runs for the Yankees (63-52), who won their third straight and moved 11 games over .500 for the first time this season. Rodriguez's AL-leading 34th homer was a mammoth shot to left, and it came one pitch after Sheffield's drive in the third inning.
New York Yankees' Bernie Williams, right, is greeted by third-base coach Luis Sojo as Williams rounds the bases after a home run in the 11th inning. Williams' homer lifted New York to a 7-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday in New York.
Kevin Mench had four hits, including a two-run homer off Mike Mussina in the eighth and a tying, two-run single in the ninth for the Rangers, who have dropped a season-high six straight. Their three losses in this series have come by a combined four runs.
"It's very disappointing," losing pitcher Kameron Loe said. "We're battling and barely coming up short. We've still got to go out there tomorrow and grind."
Tino Martinez, who replaced Jason Giambi at first base for defense, led off the 11th with a single off Loe (5-4). Williams hit the next pitch over the right-center fence for his ninth homer of the season.
Trying to turn around a disappointing season in which he lost his starting job in center field, Williams has homered in two straight games - including his first game-ending shot since Sept. 30 against Minnesota.
"I told him the other day ... I had a talk with him and I said to him, 'This is your time of year,"' Torre said.
Angels 9, Mariners 1
Seattle - Ryan Franklin was roughed up in his return from a steroid suspension, and Bartolo Colon pitched four-hit ball through eight innings to lead Los Angeles.
Chone Figgins missed the cycle by a triple, and Juan Rivera added three RBIs on three hits, including a solo homer. Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Molina each drove in two runs as the Angels piled up 15 hits.
Figgins set the tone when he doubled leading off the game against Franklin (6-12), who returned from a 10-day suspension for testing positive for steroids. The right-hander gave up eight runs and 12 hits in 41â3 innings. He was relieved by Jeff Harris and sprinted off the field to a mix of cheers and boos.
Colon (15-6) won his third straight decision and his fourth in five starts. Figgins also scored three times.
Athletics 5, Twins 2
Oakland, Calif. - Jay Payton hit a three-run homer, leading Oakland to its major-league-leading 23rd victory since the All-Star break.
Kirk Saarloos (8-6) won his third straight decision as the Athletics remained tied for the AL West lead. Kiko Calero, Jay Witasick and Huston Street each pitched a scoreless inning.
Orioles 1, Blue Jays 0
Baltimore - John Maine pitched five scoreless innings to earn his first major-league victory, Miguel Tejada singled in a third-inning run, and Baltimore ended Toronto's four-game winning streak.
Rafael Palmeiro sat out a third straight game since returning from a 10-day suspension for using steroids. He is expected to start as Baltimore's designated hitter today.
Red Sox 7, White Sox 4
Boston - David Ortiz went 3-for-4, stringing together seven consecutive hits over two days, and Tim Wakefield cruised into the seventh inning to lead Boston to its sixth straight victory.
Jon Garland (16-6), who became the AL's first 16-game winner Sunday, allowed five runs and nine hits in 51â3 innings, his second-shortest outing this year.
Devil Rays 8, Indians 2
Cleveland - Jorge Cantu hit two of Tampa Bay's season-high five homers, and Seth McClung overcame a long rain delay to pitch shutout ball into the sixth inning as the Devil Rays defeated Cleveland.
McClung (3-7) won for the third time in five starts since July 22.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.