Order Restored as Yankees Win

After a historic and wild opener, baseball returned to normal at Yankee Stadium.

A day after the teams combined for 30 runs in the highest scoring game in the ballpark’s 75-year history, Andy Pettitte and two relievers combined on a six-hitter as the New York Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics, 3-1, Saturday.

Pettitte (1-2) limited the Athletics to one run and five hits in six innings. The left-hander had given up four runs and nine hits in each of his previous starts and had a 5.48 earned-run average.

“I was keyed up,” said Pettitte, the American League leader in wins over the last two seasons. “I wanted this one bad. Mel [pitching coach Stottlemyre] had to tell me to relax during the game. I was trying to throw the ball too hard. That’s not my style. But I’m not used to losing two games in a row.”

The Yankees have won four in a row after starting the year 1-4 on a West Coast trip.

“It’s a matter of playing every day and getting our timing as hitters and fielders,” New York Manager Joe Torre said. “The pitching is getting there. Andy made a giant step for us today.”

Oakland starter Tom Candiotti (0-3) lost his third consecutive start for the first time since 1993. He yielded eight hits and three runs in eight innings.

“He changed speeds on his knuckleball and he didn’t give in, that’s what it’s all about,” said A’s Manager Art Howe.

But it was a knuckleball that cost Candiotti two runs in the third when Tino Martinez singled home Derek Jeter and Paul O’Neill after a double steal.

The combined pitching performance stood in stark contrast to the Yankees’ victory on Friday, when 10 pitchers gave up 30 runs, 32 hits and 19 walks.

New York added the element of speed Saturday with six steals, including the double steal that contributed to its first two runs.

“We started in spring training and I told everybody they’re on their own,” Torre said.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: New York Yankees

WHERE: at New York

WHEN: Monday, 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m.