Panamanian pitcher Rivera sets new closer record.

New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera of Panama became the most successful closer of all time on Monday, September 19, when he  reached  602 saves to surpass  the previous record held by Trevor Hoffman.

He achieved the goal, urged on by strident Yankees supporters, by retiring three Minesota Twins in a row in the top of the ninth, for a 6-4 victory.

Trevor Plouffe grounded out to second base and Michael Cuddyer flied out to right. The last out came on a called third strike to Chris Parmelee and Rivera moved into the record books and a step closer to the Hall of Fame.