Rivera sets major league saves record

New York Yankees closing relief ace Mariano Rivera set a Major League Baseball record with his 602nd career save, throwing a perfect ninth inning on Monday to complete a 6-4 victory over Minnesota. Two days after the 41-year-old Panamanian right-hander equalled the all-time saves mark set by Trevor Hoffman, he baffled the Twins' final three batters for his 43rd save of the year and 14th consecutive converted save opportunity. The Yankees jumped ahead 5-0 after three innings before Minnesota rallied within a run, then added an insurance run in the sixth to set the stage for Rivera's bid at history. In the top of the ninth inning, Minnesota's Trevor Plouffe grounded out to second base, Michael Cuddyer flew out to right field and Rivera managed the final bow himself, striking out Chris Parmelee to finish off his historic feat. Parmelee and Cuddyer both homered earlier in the game off Yankees starter A.J. Burnett.