The Boston Red Sox rallied for five runs in the ninth inning to defeat the New York Yankees 7-3 at Yankee Stadium Wednesday afternoon. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera blew his second save opportunity on the young season as the defending World Series champs averted a sweep by their arch rivals.

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez made a costly error in the ninth inning with the bases loaded and one out. Had he fielded the ball cleanly, Rodriguez could have gotten a force play at home and possibly even started a game ending double play. Instead the tying run scored. David Ortiz drove home the go ahead run in the next at bat.

Rivera was booed by the some members of the crowd as he left the game. He allowed five runs in two-thirds of an inning although only one of them was earned. Rivera gave up three hits and walked three batters.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter left the game in the eighth inning after being hit in the shoulder by a pitch thrown by Mike Timlin. Jeter's condition is not yet known.

The Red Sox played without manager Terry Francona who was taken to the hospital earlier this morning after complaining of chest pains. Bench coach Brad Mills served as manager for the game.

Baseball's most intense rivals will meet again in Boston next Monday. The first game of the three game series will be Boston's home opener. The Red Sox will receive their World Series rings in a ceremony prior to the game.