Offensively, almost every Yank came to impress tonight. A-Rod had a grand slam, Matsui had a homer and went 4-4, Damon had three hits, Jeter walked once and had two hits, and Bernie looked comfortable in his new role as DH with a hit and a walk. Posada was hitless, but scored a run after being hit by a pitch hurled by ex-Yankee Brad Halsey. Part-timers Bubba Crosby, Andy Phillips and Kelly Stinnett all saw some playing time, though none of them had a big opportunity to show their skills.

Randy Johnson pitched beautifully, winning his seventh opening day game (out of 14 starts). He allowed just 5 hits and 1 run (a homer by Frank Thomas in the 2^nd), struck out 3 and didn’t walk a single batter. Tanyon Sturtze came out to pitch the 8^th inning and took up where the Unit left off, allowing 1 hit and no runs. Newcomer Ron Villone closed off the game for the Yanks, and although he did allow one A to cross the plate (bringing their score to an intimidating 2), he got the job done.

Tonight’s performance was heartening, to say the least. Our ace has proved that age is just a number (and ERA is a better one), and two of our relievers showed solid potential. Folks who were concerned about Bernie’s chances of being a contributor saw that he still has a dominating bat and will get on base. Damon, who has been under certain scrutiny after being signed to a mega-million dollar contract, earned his (pin)stripes in his first outing in a Yankees uniform with two doubles. Steinbrenner has assured his team and their fans of a ring in 2006, and while I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch (or my home runs before A-Rod comes up to bat), the Yankees’ game 1 success will hopefully be a preview of many wins to come…

Labels: happy time