Fernando Rodney Blows Another Save, Yankees Rally For Win in 11th

Tampa Bay Rays closer Fernando Rodney blew his fifth save of the season and the New York  Yankees rallied  to an 11th inning win 4-3.

Rodney is just 9 for 14 in save chances this year after converting 48 of 50 opportunities last season.

“This has been really awkward to watch,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s been within one pitch of almost being perfect this season. Three of the blown saves have come down to the last pitch. I’ve not lost any patience with it. As long as he doesn’t lose confidence in himself, I will not lose confidence in him.”

Tampa Bay took a 3-1 lead in the seventh when  James Loney singled to left. Matt Joyce then doubled to right setting up Kelly Johnson‘s single to score Loney. Joyce would score on a Yunel Escobar fielder’s choice to give Tampa Bay a two-run advantage.

Joel Peralta walked one batter in the eighth,  but struck out Travis Hafner and David Adams swinging to end the inning  and put the game in Rodney’s hands.

After two quick outs in the ninth Lyle Overbay  walked and moved to second on a balk by Rodney. Brennan Boesch  then doubled to score Overbay and Brett Gardner singled to score Boesch and tie the game.

The game remained tied until Overbay homered with two outs in the 11th inning of Josh Lueke. Mariano Rivera  pitched a perfect 11th to record his 18th save of the season to preserve the win.