Tampa Bay Rays 4 — New York Yankees 0
In Mariano Rivera‘s final appearance in Yankee Stadium, the Yankees lose 4-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ivan Nova started tonight’s game and the first run came in the fourth inning. Evan Longoria hit a run-scoring single. Delmon Young would hit a home run to deep left center to give the Rays another run. In seven innings, Ivan Nova gave up just two runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out five.
Dellin Betances would struggle in the eighth inning. He would get one out but Evan Longoria would bring in two more runs before the moment all 48,675 in attendance were waiting for.
Enter Sandman.
“Now entering, number 42, Mariano Rivera” said by the late Bob Sheppard, echoed through Yankee Stadium as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” played and Mariano Rivera made his jog to the Yankee Stadium mound. The entire crowd was on their feet giving the greatest of all-time, the ovation and respect that he will always deserve
Delmon Young would fly out to left field and Sam Fuld would ground out back to Mariano Rivera to put out the fire and end the eighth inning. Mariano Rivera would sit in the dugout following the eighth inning, collecting his thoughts and preparing to emerge from the dugout for the ninth inning.
Mariano Rivera emerged from the dugout with a roaring ovation. Jose Lobaton would ground out to Mariano Rivera Yunel Escobar would pop out to Robinson Cano and a moment that will be etched in the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere took place.
Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter emerged from the dugout for their teammate, friend and brother. With a smile the face of Mariano, the captain Derek Jeter said the words “Time to go.” Andy Pettitte takes the ball and Mariano Rivera instantly embraced the veteran left-hander as the reality was setting in. Mariano Rivera was leaving the Yankee Stadium mound for the last time.
With tears and an ovation, Mariano Rivera gave Andy Pettitte a long hug as he prepared to exit the game. Derek Jeter would give Mariano Rivera a hug and he would be sent on his way. Tears in his eyes, Mariano Rivera would take his walk to the mound, with a wave of his cap to the crowd and his opponents, he went into the dugout.
The crowd chanted “Mariano” as they enjoyed the final moment on the mound. As the game ended and the Yankees lost, Rivera stayed in the dugout. He would emerge one more time to take a souvenir of his own, the dirt from the mound.
Mariano Rivera leaves mound as baseball’s all-time ERA leader passing Eddie Cicotte 2.209 to 2.210. (since 1913 – when ERA became a stat)
— Jeff Quagliata (@yestoresearch) September 27, 2013
Fitting, isn’t it?
Win – Alex Cobb (11-3)
Loss – Ivan Nova (9-6)
Notables
Rays
*Evan Longoria -2 for 4, 3 RBI (85)
*Delmon Young – 2 for 3, R, Solo Home Run (10) in the 7th, RBI (34)
Yankees
*Curtis Granderson – 1 for 2
*Lyle Overbay – 1 for 3
Current Yankees Record: 82-77
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