(Sports Network) – Mariano Rivera hit Jeff Francoeur with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to force in the winning run, as the Rangers upended the Yankees, 7-6, in the middle contest of a three-game series.
Alex Rodriguez had hit a three-run double in the eighth inning to put the Yankees ahead, 6-5, but the Rangers rallied for a second consecutive night.
On Friday, Nelson Cruz hit the game-tying home run in the eighth before slamming the game-winner in the 13th to give Texas the win.
In Saturday’s game, Ian Kinsler hit a game-tying RBI double that left runners on second and third with nobody out. Rivera (3-3) intentionally walked Chris Davis to set up a force play at home, and looked like he might get out of the inning after getting pinch-hitter Andres Blanco to pop up to first.
But Rivera’s first pitch to Francoeur hit him in the left shoulder, ending the game in stunning fashion.