Yanks Go Yard Recap: Pettitte Leads New York Yankees To First Win Of Season

Sometimes, it just takes an old pro to get the job done when you need it most. It’s not that it was a total must win, however, getting swept by the Red Sox to open the season after a tumultuous off-season and spring training wouldn’t have exactly been ideal.

Apr. 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher

(46) prepares to pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Enter Andrew Eugene Pettitte. Pettitte pitched eight innings of one run baseball and the Yankees got some unexpected power as they beat the Red Sox 4-2 to avoid a season opening sweep.The Yankees got it started in the bottom of the second. Travis Hafner singled and two batters latter it looked like the Yanks caught a bad break. Eduardo Nunez hit a shot to right center field that hopped over the fence for a ground rule double. It ended up being okay, because Lyle Overbay knocked them both in with a single.

In the third, Brett Gardner hit his first home run of the year over the right field fence. It was all quiet til the seventh when Will Middlebrooks singled and Jackie Bradley Jr doubled him in. The Yanks got the run back when Francisco Cervelli lead off the seventh with a mammoth home run to left center.

Mariano Rivera came in to shut the door in the ninth and struggled a little. Dustin Pedroia led off with a walk. After a flyout, Johnny Gomes doubled down the left field line. Middlebrooks grounded out to drive in Pedroia. Bradley would be caught looking to end the inning.

Yanks Go Yard Game Ball: Andy Pettitte

The Yanks head to Detroit for the Tigers’ home opener. Doug Fister and Ivan Nova face off at 1:05 (yes gamecast at work again)

Notes: David Aardsma was given his release. Hiroki Kuroda is okay from his injury last night and will make his next start. Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira are targeting May 1 as their return date from their injuries.