Yankees Defy Odds, Hold Off Red Sox in Game 1 of ALCS

The Yankees' emphatic victory in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series will be remembered for Mike Mussina's remarkable 62-3 innings, Hideki Matsui's ALCS-record five-RBI performance, and Mariano Rivera's clutch save in a 10-7 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Key Takeaways:

• Mike Mussina retired the first 19 batters he faced, striking out five in a row, before being pulled in the seventh inning.
• Hideki Matsui tied an ALCS record with five RBI, including three in the third inning when he lined a pitch off the right-field wall.
• Mariano Rivera made his first appearance since attending the funerals of his wife's cousin and son, who died in an electrical accident, and earned his 31st postseason save in 34 opportunities.
• Curt Schilling struggled with a sore right ankle and allowed six earned runs in three innings, his shortest postseason start.
• The Red Sox crept to 8-7 in the eighth inning before Rivera was summoned to close out the game.
• Manager Joe Torre trusted Rivera's abilities and let him pitch in a high-pressure situation, saying he trusts nobody more than Mariano.
• Rivera's save helped ease the team's stress and give him a chance to "hide in uniform for an hour or so" after a difficult day.

Statistics:

• Mike Mussina retired 19 batters in a row, the longest streak in the postseason since Steve Carlton in 1970.
• Hideki Matsui's five RBI in Game 1 tied an ALCS record set by Tony Perez in 1976.
• Mariano Rivera's 31st postseason save in 34 opportunities kept him on pace with his 43-49 career save rate.
• Curt Schilling's shortest postseason start hindered the Red Sox's chances of winning, raising questions about his pitchability in the series.
• The Yankees' 10-7 victory increased their postseason lead over the Red Sox to 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for tonight.

Sources:

• Associated Press
• New York Yankees official team website
• Boston Red Sox official team website
• USA Today Sports