Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez holds the Major League Baseball record for the most saves in a single season.

Rodriguez tied the record of 57 saves on September 11, 2008.

The previous record of 57 saves was set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990.MLB.com: K-Rod comes full circle with No. 57

On September 13,2008, Francisco Rodriguez broke the all-time single season record for most saves. The accomplishment came against the Seattle Mariners. The final score was Angels 5, Mariners 2. Rodriguez struck out Raul Ibanez for the final out.ESPN.com: Angels 5 Mariners 2, September 13, 2008

A pitcher must meet the following criteria to qualify for an official save:

He must be the pitcher of record, but not the winning pitcher when his team wins the game.

He must also enter the game with a lead of three runs or less.

He must pitch at least one inning or at the time that he enters the game the opposing team has the potential tying run on deck, at bat, or on base.

A pitcher can also record a save if he pitches effectively for three innings for the winning team to end a game.

Only one save is credited for each game.ESPN.com: Save Rule

• ESPN Video: Francisco Rodriguez Ties Bobby Thigpen(Time: 2:18)

• SI.com: Francisco Rodriguez sets MLB record with 58th save(September 13, 2008)

• MLB.com: K-Rod perserves Halos' win with No. 58(September 13, 2008)

• ESPN.com: Angels' K-Rod ties Thigpen for saves in a season (September 11, 2008)

• PE.com: Rodriguez's 55th save brings Angels closer to clinching top spot (September 9, 2008)

• MLB.com: K-Rod closes out win with 55th save (September 7, 2008)

• SportingNews.com: Why I'm admiring and rooting for Francisco Rodriguez (September 6, 2008)

• Google News: Francisco Rodriguez Saves Record

• FOX Sports: Save stat is flawed, but closers remain essential (September 9, 2008)