Curtis Granderson’s homer helps New York Yankees defeat Detroit Tigers 6-3 – MLB Update
Curtis Granderson struck a leading home run in the seventh inning to help the New York Yankees beat Detroit Tigers 6-3 at Yankee Stadium on the first game of Opening Day, March 31.
Granderson also attained some help from the veteran Yankee, Phil Coke. Mark Teixeira made three runs against Justin Verlander in the third inning. Teixeira, as first baseman, had a hitting average of .235 during the start of the last season.
Curtis made two stunning catches against the Tigers. One was an absolutely amazing catch by diving on the smooth grass to hold up his glove. The other was the running catch in the ninth inning. Curtis was amused after grasping these catches.
The Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi said, “You worry a little bit more about the shoulder, he looked like he landed on it. I saw him get up and run in and he was smiling. So I wasn't too concerned.”
Teixeira commented on his excitement and said, “I've been petitioning the league to start in March for years. Finally they let us start in March because everybody knows my Aprils. It's great to start this way. ... Last year was awful, it was embarrassing.”
After recovering from right knee surgery, CC Sabathia played his game as an athletic player. He offered just three runs on six hits, including two earned runs. In each of the final three regular seasons, Sabathia gave up two walks with seven strike-outs.
Derek Jeter made a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning by his effortless swing and Mariano Rivera earned his first save of Opening Day. Sabathia also threw impressive pitches in six innings. Russell Martin and Rafael Soriano, the two recruits for the Yankees,
also played their role with a rapid start.
The right-hander Verlander provided only two hits, counting Alex Rodriguez's double in the sixth inning. He struck out the hitters Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher with two fast deliveries and gave up a walk to Robinson Cano. Verlander made his fourth start
of the regular season. During the mid of last Opening Day, he had 1-2 Win-Loss record with an ERA of 5.29.
Verlander attained the fastest delivery of 97 mph to Teixeira and Rodriguez but they played it in a sensible way and got a walk. However, Cano was struck out on his 31st throw of the inning.
Victor Martinez struck a swift shot towards short-stop where Jeter dived to stop this, but he couldn’t stop it and a run was taken. Miguel Cabrera made a single to left-field while Sabathia gave up the loaded bases.
The Yankees put in a good performance to start the season off with a good win against Detroit. The Tigers will be looking to improve their efforts in the next match-up.
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