CLEVELAND, OHIO — On this date in 2009, the combination of Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera reached a historic tandem milestone. Before I continue, hold your fire, sabermetrics people. The duo topped the list of most win/save combinations by any starter/reliever duo in Major League history, with a 3-1 New York Yankees victory against the Cleveland Indians.
Pettitte toiled for five frames, scattering six hits, yielding one run, walking five and fanning one. Alfredo Aceves worked three scoreless frames as the bridge. Rivera allowed one hit and fanned two in a scoreless ninth inning.
Their win/save combination went to 58, surpassing that of Bob Welch and Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics.
When it was all said and done following the 2013 season, Rivera saved 72 of Pettitte’s victories.
