A-Rod passes McGwire on all-time HR list

Alex Rodriguez finally got his first homer of the season out of the way in a 7-3 win against the Rangers. It was his 584th career home run to pass Mark McGwire for sole possession for eighth place on the career list.

Quick ‘Cap:
A.J. Burnett blanked the Rangers for seven innings to give the Yankees the opportunity to put the game away early. After a two-run rally in the second, the Yankees poured it on in the third with four runs. One of Brett Gardner’s three infield hits drove in a run and the rally was capped by Derek Jeter’s two-run homer.

Rodriguez snapped a 41 at-bat homerless streak in the fourth on a 2-1 pitch from Doug Mathis, who relieved Scott Feldman in the third.

The only offense for the Rangers came on Nelson Cruz’s three-run homer in the eighth off Alfredo Aceves. Damaso Marte finished the inning for Ace, and Joba Chamberlain wrapped it up in the ninth. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
Gardner and Burnett really stood out today. Gardner showed how much of a pest he can be, scoring two runs and stealing his fifth base. Burnett worked out of a bases loaded, one out jam in the fifth and then toughed out two more innings. Great days for both Yankees.

Line of the Night:
Burnett: W (2-0), 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K.

Up Next:
The Yankees will go for their first sweep of the season on Sunday, and I’ll be at the game! I bought bleacher seats with an obstructed view, but I’ll be moving around with my friend Andrew Fletcher. Look for my tweets from the game and pictures posted to the blog later that night.