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Yanks Win Yankee Stadium Opener, One Last Time

Toronto's Halladay sharp, New York's Wang sharper in 3-2 pitchers' duel

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:20 PM CDT
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(Newser) – In the final season-opener at historic Yankee Stadium, the Yanks nailed a record 11 consecutive home openers won by topping the Blue Jays, 3-2. It was a taut duel between aces Roy Halladay, a celebrated Yankee-killer, and sinkerballer Chien-Ming Wang. Alex Rodriguez's eighth-inning trot home on a groundout proved the winning run.

Melky Cabrera hit a solo home run and provided sparkling defensive play, and Mariano Rivera and Joba Chamberlain pitched a scoreless inning apiece. Hall of Famer Yogi Berra escorted Yankees postseason legend Reggie Jackson out to throw the first pitch, underlining the game's milestone status. New manager Joe Girardi is now 1-0 as Yankees manager.

New York Yankees' Melky Cabrera rounds the bases on a solo home run off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, bottom.
New York Yankees' Melky Cabrera rounds the bases on a solo home run off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, bottom.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A giant U.S. flag is unfurled in center field during ceremonies for the first game of the final season at Yankee Stadium in New York.
A giant U.S. flag is unfurled in center field during ceremonies for the first game of the final season at Yankee Stadium in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Yankees' Shelley Duncan, left, greets pitcher Andy Pettitte. Pettitte received a mostly warm welcome when he was introduced at the New York Yankees' opener after a tumultuous offseason.
New York Yankees' Shelley Duncan, left, greets pitcher Andy Pettitte. Pettitte received a mostly warm welcome when he was introduced at the New York Yankees' opener after a tumultuous offseason.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Yankees' Melky Cabrera follows through on a solo home run in the sixth inning of the Yankees' 3-2 win.
New York Yankees' Melky Cabrera follows through on a solo home run in the sixth inning of the Yankees' 3-2 win.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
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MLB • New York Yankees • Toronto Blue Jays • Mariano Rivera • Roy Halladay • Joba Chamberlain • Joe Girardi • baseball • Chien-Ming Wang • Melky Cabrera • Yogi Berra • Reggie Jackson

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