I guess Mariano Rivera is human.

Marco Scutaro belted a three-run homer off Rivera in the bottom of the ninth to lift the A's to an improbable 5-4 victory over the Yankees in Oakland.  It was Rivera's first save opportunity of the year and also his first blown save of the year.  What was even more shocking was that the rally began with two outs and nobody on.

The loss also overshadows a tremendous effort from Andy Pettitte and the Yankees ability to play some small ball as the Bombers scored three runs on sacrifice flies.

The Good:

Andy Pettitte.  Pettitte was shaky early and the defense once again didn't help him (another error from Derek Jeter) as the A's tagged him for two first inning runs.  But, Pettitte battled back and pitched a terrific ballgame.  His vitals: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 earned), 1 BB, 4 K.  That's two straight quality starts for Pettitte.

Jorge Posada.  Posada continued to stroke the ball well and his double in the seventh got the Yanks on the scoreboard.  Jorge finished 2-3 with 1 RBI, 1 R and 1 BB.  It's early, but Posada is batting a robust .366.

Robinson Cano/Melky Cabrera.  The Yankees two young hitters went 1-6 combined, but each hit an important sacrifice fly in consecutive at-bats to give the Yanks a 3-2 lead in the seventh.  It's the little things that win ballgames and it was impressive to witness good situational hitting from the Baby Bombers.

The Bad:

Derek Jeter.  Jeter committed his sixth error in eleven games which led to an unearned run in the first inning.  DJ has to step it up.  He's better than this.

Mariano Rivera.  The game was over.  With two outs and the bases empty, Rivera gave up a single to Todd Walker and then unbelievably walked Jason Kendall.  Then Scutaro hit one off the foul pole.  Rivera blows saves (it's rare, but he does), but this was one of the most unexpected.  It usually doesn't occur with two outs and the bottom of the order coming up.  Shake it off, Mo.  

The Ugly:

Two more starters joined the injured list as Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano were both placed on the 15-day DL.  Mussina's injury doesn't seem to be that serious and the team looks like it's taking precautionary measures.  Pavano is a different story.  Who knows with that guy?  The Yanks called up righty Chris Britton to add bullpen depth and may call upon Double-A lefty Chase Wright  to take Pavano's place on the hill Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians in the Bronx. Part of me would like to see the young kid make the start and part of me is hoping for a rain-out.

The Yanks finished their first road trip at 3-3 and will begin a three-game set against the Cleveland Indians at The Stadium on Tuesday.

I should be over this shocking loss by then.

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