Teixeira and Granderson Lead Yankees to Record Setting Win

The New York Yankees won a record setting 11th straight home opener. CC Sabathia battled through six innings, the bullpen took over, and the Yankees got come clutch hitting as they start the season with a 6-3 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Sabathia seemed to breeze through the first couple innings before struggling a little bit. He gave up six hits, two walks, and two earned runs in six innings of work. Sabathia struck out seven in the no-decision.

The Yankees took a 3-1 lead in the third inning when first baseman Mark Teixeira belted a three run homer off Tigers starter Justin Verlander. Teixeira, who has been a slow starter for most of his career, had a hot spring that may be carrying over into the start of the regular season. That would be a huge lift for the Yankees.

The player of the game was arguably center fielder  Curtis Granderson. His injured oblique was tested immediately when Granderson made a diving catch in the first inning, one of two great catches on the day. The second was a reaching grab in the ninth after a long run to deep center.

The catches were great but the biggest moment of the day by Granderson and the Yankees came in the seventh inning of a tie game. With the game knotted up at three runs a piece, Granderson drove a fastball from Tigers pitcher Phil Coke into the second deck in right field for a solo homer. This would prove to be the winning run.

The Yankees bullpen may be one of the best in baseball and it showed why on Opening Day. After six innings by Sabathia, the bullpen took over, starting with Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain pitched a perfect seventh inning to earn the win.

After Joba, new Yankee Rafael Soriano handled the eight inning and the immortal Mariano Rivera closed it out with his first save of the season.

The Yankees only had five hits on the day, but the two big homers were enough for a record setting victory. Alex Rodriguez, Nick Swisher, and Russell Martin had the other hits, one apiece.

The weather may not have been perfect but even that can’t take away from the excitement of Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. Former Yankee, Mike Mussina was on hand to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

The Yankees are off to a good start in 2011.