New York Yankees Shut out Los Angeles Angels with an Exciting Home Opener
April 14, 2012 · Bill Ford · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
After a difficult start to the season, being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees are heating up after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles and an exciting win at their home opener against the Los Angeles Angels.
Fans were treated to a great day, with Alex Rodriguez hitting an historic home run that tied Ken Griffey Jr. at 630. One more home run will give Rodriguez the spot in fifth place.
Rodriguez had an impressive home opener, going 3-for-4 with that home run, his first RBI of the season, a stolen base and two runs scored.
If there had been any question about him being healthy and being able to play quality baseball, that question was answered yesterday.
Nick Swisher contributed with a three-run triple in the first inning to get things rolling.
Curtis Granderson’s fifth-inning home run pumped up the energy in Yankee Stadium, as well. He helped the Yankees to secure the 5-0 shutout win against the Angels.
As exciting as those moments were, the most exciting and thrilling moment occurred before the game even started.
Beloved retired Yankee Jorge Posada had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in front of a sold-out crowd.
The Yankees had originally decided on Mariano Rivera to be the one behind the plate to catch the pitch, but Posada wanted to have his dad there to catch it for him.
Posada said, “I was super excited to have Mariano catch it. But to have my dad there was a little bit more important. I wouldn’t be here—I wouldn’t have the career that I had—if it wasn’t for him. I wanted to share that moment with him.”
Behind the scenes, Robinson Cano moved to Posada’s locker in the clubhouse just before the home opener. Cano was humbled to find that equipment manager Rob Cucuzza placed his nameplate on Posada’s old locker. Cano said that it was an honor.
This was the perfect home opener for the Yankees, but even more for the fans.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
