Mariano Rivera is ready to pitch as long as needed for a championship:
Rivera has already pitched two or more innings three times this postseason, most recently during a 3-1 win in Game 2 of the World Series. But would he be able to pitch three if needed?
“Hopefully we don’t need it, but whatever I have to do, whatever it takes to win the game,” said Rivera, who has pitched in more World Series games than anyone in history. “It’s a big game for us tomorrow and I have to be ready for it.”
Rivera has pitched two or more innings on consecutive days only once in his postseason career: Games 4 and 5 of the 2004 ALCS. Both resulted in blown saves; they are two of the four he has blown in his career. Still, Rivera believes he’d be capable of pitching two innings in both Game 6 and 7, if necessary.
Among the many things to admire about Rivera is that he’s not afraid to pitch in difficult situations. Many closers want to start the ninth inning and nothing else. Rivera will come into real jams in the eighth when needed, and go extra innings in the playoffs.
Posted by David Pinto at 11:40 am | Pitchers, World Series | Permalink | No Comments
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