Yankees open floodgates on Zito, A's

OAKLAND -- Let the Murderers' Row comparisons commence.
If the Yankees' lineup is expected to mount a charge at 1,000 runs this season, Monday night was a good start for the Bombers.
New York handed Oakland a 15-2 pounding on Opening Day, using a seven-run second inning to chase Barry Zito from the game in the shortest start of the former Cy Young Award winner's career.
"Tonight was a special night," said Johnny Damon, who went 3-for-7 with two runs scored in his first game as a Yankee. "If this is any indication, this is going to be a fun year."
"You're excited to play Opening Day, and you know that we're capable of doing all the things we saw tonight," said manager Joe Torre. "It was great just to see it happen."
Alex Rodriguez's grand slam was the big blow of the second inning, while Hideki Matsui added a three-run shot as part of a four-run fourth inning. Matsui finished the night with four hits and four RBIs, reaching base in all six of his plate appearances.
Every Yankees starter except Jorge Posada had at least one hit, and even Posada reached base three times. Five different Yankees posted multihit games, while six different baseball players drove in runs.
"I think this is a very unique year for us," Rodriguez said. "We have a hungry bunch. I see a different attitude this year."
Randy Johnson was the beneficiary of the run support, earning his second consecutive Opening Day victory for the Yankees. The Big Unit allowed one run in seven innings, capturing career win No. 264.
The Yankees pounded out 17 hits, took nine walks and had three batters reach base after being hit by pitches. New York started its second-inning outburst with a pair of walks and three singles, going station-to-station while taking a 3-0 lead.