Yankees Rain on the Tigers on Opening Day, 6-3

Opening day often means optimism for many baseball fans.

For the New York Yankees, there is always optimism after 27 World Series rings. Their victory over the Tigers on opening day might give Joe Girardi a reason to think this season will be special, in a 6-3 victory at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees got some great defensive efforts, and their bats came up big despite facing Tigers' ace Justin Verlander. The tall right hander gave up three earned runs over six innings, and the Yankee bats were able to score three more runs against the Tigers' relievers.

C.C. Sabathia pitched a somewhat similar game to Verlander, but only gave up two earned runs. He was helped by some fine defense which included a diving catch by Curtis Granderson.

Mark Teixeira hit a three-run homer off Verlander in the bottom of the third inning, and Granderson put the Yankees ahead for good with a solo shot off former Yankee reliever Phil Coke in the seventh.

Joba Chamberlain got the win for New York, while Mariano Rivera earned the save.

The game was played without any interruption despite the possible forecast for rain.