Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run of the season and moved into eighth on the all-time home run list as New York defeated Texas, 7-3, Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. By winning the first two games against Texas and taking two of three from Boston, Tampa Bay, and the Los Angeles Angels, New York has won four straight series to start a season for the first time since 1926.
Rodriguez’s 584th career home run in the fourth inning moved him ahead of Mark McGwire for sole possession of eighth place on the all-time list. He had been homerless in his first 41 at-bats, which was his longest streak to start a season since 1995.
New York scored in the bottom of the second after loading the bases with two outs against Texas starter Scott Feldman (1-1). After Nick Johnson forced in a run by drawing a walk, Mark Teixeira’s RBI single gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third, New York scored four more runs with two outs. With runners at second and third, Brett Gardner’s infield single scored Jorge Posada from third. Gardner collected three of the Yankees six infield hits. With Derek Jeter batting, Gardner stole second and an errant throw by Texas catcher Taylor Teagarden allowed Curtis Granderson to score. Jeter completed the scoring with his third home run of the season, a two-run blast over the left field wall.
The Yankees provided more than enough offense for starter A.J. Burnett (2-0). Burnett only allowed six hits while striking out seven and walking two over seven innings. The only inning that Texas mounted a serious scoring threat was in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases on a double, single, and a walk. But Burnett escaped unscathed by retiring Julio Borbon and Michael Young on fly outs.
Texas finally scored in the top of the eighth on a three-run home run by Nelson Cruz off of reliever Alfredo Aceves. It was Cruz’s league-leading seventh home run of the season.
New York will attempt to sweep a series for the first time this season on Sunday. The Rangers will send Rich Harden (0-0, 2.79) to the mound while the Yankees will counter with Andy Pettitte (1-0, 0.75). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. ET.
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