This last AB by Nixon was a great example of why pitchers shouldn't concern themselves with baserunners. With Roberts at first, obviously trying to steal, Gordon kept throwing over and stepping off and holding the ball. By the time he tried pitching to Nixon, he ended up falling behind 3-1. That's the pitch Roberts chose to run on, and Nixon got a great pitch to hit, which he lined for a single. Now there are runners on first and third with no outs, and Rivera has to pitch a two inning save again.

The great ones didn't worry about runners. They knew if they got the batter out, nothing too bad would happen.

Update: Varitek hits a sac fly to center to tie the game. Mariano blows the tough save opportunity.

Update: Rivera gets the three batters he faces. He could be perfect tonight and still be stuck with the blown save.