Much to the delight of the crowd, the Japanese Matsui finished 2-for-5 with three RBI in the contest, helping the Yankees rebound from an 8-3 loss in the season opener on Tuesday. The three-time Japanese Central League Most Valuable Player for the Yomiuri Giants, who play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, finished the series 3-for-9 with two runs scored and three RBI.

Kevin Brown (1-0) looked every much the equivalent of the recently departed Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens or David Wells in his debut for the Yankees, tossing seven solid innings for the win. Brown, who was acquired this offseason via trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed just one run and six hits while striking out five and walking none to pick up his 198th career victory. The 39-year-old righthander retired the final nine batters he faced.

Tony Clark also added a two-run homer off Tampa Bay starter Jeremi Gonzalez. The Yankees, who avoided losing their first two games for the first time since 1998, roughed up Gonzalez (0-1) for five runs on four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. Devil Ray pitchers issued eight free passes in the contest, but Tampa Bay, which has finished in last place in the AL East in each of its six years of existence, still leaves Japan with a respectable split of the series.

Both teams will now travel back to Florida for continued spring training. They will then continue regular-season play at Tropicana Field on April 6 when the Yankees arrive for the beginning of yet another two-game set against the Devil Rays.

New York, which added sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield this offseason to its already potent lineup, got on track after being limited to seven hits in the opener. Despite Rodriguez' 0-for-5 at the plate in this contest, Sheffield contributed three runs scored in the win.

(Click to Continue)