The rare Rivera blown save

Mariano Rivera reacts after allowing the game tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday. Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatieri

 It was an odd day at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.  The Yankees got thrown out at home plate three times – two of which were on consecutive plays – the sun wreaked havoc on outfielders leading to game tying, inside-the-park home run, and a player fresh off the disabled list ended up with a pinch-hit, walk-off hit.  But nothing signifies a strange game more than a blown save by Mariano Rivera.

Prior to Sunday, Rivera’s last blown save came on May 16 in a 6-3 loss to the Twins.  The following night he picked up the loss against the Red Sox then, in his next outing, nearly blew a save against the Mets.  After that stretch, he responded by tossing 18 scoreless innings and converting his next 11 save opportunities.

When Rivera allowed an RBI single by Dewayne Wise to tie the game in the ninth inning on Sunday, it was only Rivera’s fifth blown save in 106 opportunities over the past three seasons.  No telling how long it will be before the 40-year-old closer picks up another.