AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York newcomer Curtis Granderson hit a game-winning home run in the 10th inning to spoil the debut of pitcher John Lackey and lead the Yankees to a 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Granderson’s blast to right field, his second homer of the season, broke a 1-1 tie in the 10th, before Mark Teixeira’s RBI ground-out sealed the decider in the Yankees’ three-game opening series with arch rivals Boston.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“What better way to start off with a new team?” Granderson told reporters. “Of all the teams, to play Boston in the first series and come out with the victory is great. All I want to do is just be another small piece of the puzzle.”
Lackey tossed six innings and allowed just three hits, but took a no-decision in his first start since signing a lucrative contract to play for Boston in the offseason.
The former Los Angeles Angels pitcher left the game with a 1-0 lead, but Nick Swisher tied the contest with an RBI single in the seventh inning, before Teixeira followed up Granderson in the 10th.
Mariano Rivera came on in the bottom of the 10th to close out his second save of the season.
Chan Ho Park recorded the win after pitching three scoreless innings in relief of starter Andy Pettitte who lasted six innings for just one run, a third-inning RBI single from David Ortiz.
Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon struggled in the 10th, walking two batters in addition to giving up Granderson’s homer.
Granderson, known for his all-around contributions as a center fielder, pounded 30 home runs last season with the Detroit Tigers.
In other games it was:
• Athletics 6, Mariners 5
• Twins 4, Angels 2
• Royals 3, Tigers 2
• Rays 4, Orioles 3
• Indians 5, White Sox 3
• Blue Jays 7, Rangers 4
NATIONAL LEAGUE
AP, HOUSTON
The San Franciso Giants completed a season-opening three-game sweep of the National League series against Houston, beating the Astros 10-4 on Wednesday.
Edgar Renteria tied a career high with five hits for the Giants, who have started a season 3-0 for the first time in seven years.
It was 4-4 before San Francisco’s Juan Uribe doubled in the eighth inning and scored the go-ahead run when Houston pitcher Sammy Gervacio threw away a bunt. The Giants added another run in the inning, then scored four times in the ninth.
In other games it was
• Brewers 5, Rockies 4
• Diamondbacks 5, Padres 3
• Phillies 8, Nationals 4
• Cardinals 6, Reds 3
• Braves 3, Cubs 2
• Pirates 4, Dodgers 3, 10 innings
• Marlins 7, Mets 6, 10 innings
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