It took the old guys Thursday, to get the Yankees their first win of the season. Andy Pettite and Mariano Rivera combined to defeat the Boston Red Sox 4-2, Thursday.
Pettite pitched eight expecptional innings and Rivera, the all-time leader in saves, picked up number 609. It was Rivera’s first outing since he tore his ACL early last season.
"There's a lot of emotions, but at the same time, you have to control that," Rivera said. "You have to be able to do that, because you still have to finish the game. It was wonderful."
Rivera, who is famous for only one pitch his entire career, used it to perfection to end the game. Red Sox rookie Jackie Bradley Jr. got a good look at the infamous cut fastball as it danced over the outside corner of the plate for strike three—game over.
The Pettite-Rivera duo notched their 69th combined victory; adding to yet another record. The last time they hook-up to hand the Yankees a victory was July 8, 2010 against the Seattle Mariners.
"These two have been doing it a long time together," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "As a fan, I appreciate what these two have done together. I know I've caught both of them, I've managed both of them, but as a fan, it's really kind of neat to see."
Pettite received help from first baseman Lyle Overbay, finished with two hits, catcher Francisco Cervelli and centerfielder Brett Garnder, who each chipped in with solo homers.
"It was a good win for us," Pettitte said. "You don't want to get swept your opening series here at home. I was proud of the guys, the way they battled. We got some runs, we got some timely hits and we needed it."
The Yankees, sitting at 1-2, will play the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park Friday, at 1p.m.
