No one bothered to ask about a five to save.
Rivera got the final out of the eighth inning, leaving the tying run at second base. In the ninth, a missed call on what should have been the final out of the game required Rivera to pick up the third out twice. Therefore, the four output, except in the box score, but the five-out, except in reality.
After their 6-4 Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees stole home-field advantage, but looked closer I usually do at this time of year. Better than ever. Or at least better than it has seen recently.
"That's as good as he has been in a long time," Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland said.
Rivera is posteason 40th career save, 31 of which have lasted more than one entry. Closers closest in terms of postseason saves of four outs or more Goose Gossage (seven), Dennis Eckersley (six) and Rollie Fingers (six).
After struggling in September, Rivera entered the playoffs as a question mark. Even Girardi sounded like he was a little worried about what Rivera had left after 40 birthday.
"There is fear in using it for more than three outs?" Girardi said. "Maybe a little."
In the eighth inning with runners on second and third and two men, some fear had evaporated apparently because Girardi turned to Rivera. And Rivera, with cutter, just destroyed Denard Span bat, causing a weak grounder to Derek Jeter to end the entry and preserve the lead.
"I would not want anyone else out there," Jeter said of Rivera would later.
Rivera went to the ninth and, after breaking a racket little more during the first two outs, Delmon Young hit a liner to right that caught Greg Golson, but the referees ruled that he had caught. While Girardi said, Rivera stayed calm.
"It's part of the game and we just have to get the guy next door," Rivera said.
The guy next door to was Jim Thome, who forced Rivera to pop to third.
Rivera was in charge of his new court. The slight change in the grip Eiland and Rivera held in September appears to have been the magic potion. At least, was the first night of the playoffs.
"When Mo starts breaking bats, you know he has his stuff very well," said Eiland.
Rivera did Wednesday. It seemed like he always does at this time of year. Longer meets the Twins in the eighth inning, overcame a bad decision in the ninth inning and the Yankees to ensure at least have the home advantage when they leave here after Game 2.
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