By Ed Condran

It was Mariano Rivera's turn to take the stage in the Bronx, and he didn't disappoint by retiring the side in the ninth to record his 43rd save of the season to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins Monday.

More importantly, Rivera notched his MLB-best 602 career save.

Rivera is the game's all-time greatest reliever, moving past Trevor Hoffman, who recorded most of his 601 saves with the San Diego Padres.

Lee Smith, Billy Wagner and John Franco, the latter pair who had stints with the Mets, round out the top five in all-time saves.

The Yanks overcame a rough start by A.J. Burnett, who allowed four runs and nine hits in just four frames.

Five relievers then held the Twins scoreless, as the Yanks got enough offense from Curtis Granderson (two-run homer) and Robinson Cano (RBI triple) to post the win.

A-Rod tacked on an RBI single and flashed the leather at third base with some fine play.

Scott Diamond was worse than Burnett, giving up 10 hits and five runs in four innings to fall to 1-5.

Cory Wade got the win in improving to 6-1 despite allowing four baserunners in just 1 2-3 frames.

 

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Mo Saves Than Any Other; Rivera Notches Career Save 602