Athletics No Match For O’Neill, Jeter

OAKLAND — Paul O’Neill’s grand slam capped a six-run third and Derek Jeter tied a career high with four hits as the New York Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics, 10-5, on Saturday.

Jose Canseco, Geronimo Berroa and Scott Spiezio homered for the Athletics. Canseco’s two-run shot in the third was his first homer since rejoining the Athletics this season in a trade from Boston.

Dwight Gooden (1-0) got the victory despite tying a career worst by giving up the three home runs. He gave up five runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Mariano Rivera, the fourth New York pitcher, got four outs for his first save.

Mike Mohler (0-1), making his first start since July 22, 1994, lasted only three-plus innings for the Athletics. He gave up six runs on five hits.

Bernie Williams had a pair of run-scoring singles for the Yankees. Jeter, who had three hits in Friday night’s 4-2 loss to Oakland, had three singles and a run-scoring double in the ninth.

Jeter, who usually hit ninth last season, is batting in the leadoff spot while Tim Raines is sidelined because of a strained left hamstring. But he said he won’t change his aggressive approach.

“I’ll swing. If he throws the first pitch over, I won’t be taking. I’m not changing anything when I hit leadoff,” Jeter said. “I like to hit at the top of the order because you get more at-bats.”