With the Yankees’ 4–2 win over Tampa Bay Wednesday afternoon the Bombers’ clinch their third straight postseason berth and 16th time in 17 seasons dating back to the strike-shortened season of 1995.
Reliever Hector Noesi made his first start of the season and made it to the third inning before being replaced by a string of seven relievers—culminating in Rivera’s 603rd career save—none of whom gave up a run.
The 24-year-old Noesi gave up two runs on four hits, including a home run to fellow rookie Desmond Jennings that put the Rays up 2–1—a lead that stood until New York’s three-run eighth inning rally put them ahead for good.
Eduardo Nunez, playing second base and hitting eighth, led off the frame with home run—his fifth of the season—off Ray’s starter James Shields.
After leadoff hitter Brett Gardner’s one-out single and subsequent steal of second—his 46th swipe of the season—Derek Jeter induced a walk, prompting Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon to pull his starter in favor of lefty reliever J.P. Howell to match up with the lefty Cano who was pulling DH duties.
After getting ahead in the count Cano promptly drilled Howell’s 3–1 offering over the head of center fielder B.J. Upton scoring Gardner and Jeter leaving the rest up to Rivera.
