TORONTO, 13 April 2005 — Tim Wakefield pitched seven strong innings and Doug Mirabelli homered as the Boston Red Sox celebrated their 2004 World Series win before defeating the New York Yankees 8-1 in the American League on Monday in Boston.

The Red Sox unveiled their World Series banner, their first since 1918, and received their championship rings in a lavish ceremony before cruising to a 7-1 lead after four innings en route to an easy win over their bitter rivals in their opening home game.

In other AL games, Frank Catalanotto drove in three runs as the Toronto Blue Jays mauled the Athletics 10-3 in Oakland. Eric Hinske added three hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Blue Jays. Gustavo Chacin (2-0) allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings for the win.

Orlando Cabrera homered to lead off the 10th inning, giving the Los Angeles Angels a 7-6 win over the Texas Rangers in Arlington.

In Cleveland, Freddy Garcia pitched eight strong innings to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 2-1 win over the Indians.

Garcia (1-0) allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks and Shingo Takatsu got the last out for his third save.

In Kansas City, Ryan Franklin pitched 8 2/3 strong innings and the Seattle Mariners scored seven runs in the eight-inning to rout the Royals 8-2.

Matsui Sets Up Win for Mets in Home Opener

Kaz Matsui hit a tie-breaking single to key a five-run eighth inning rally as the New York Mets won their home opener with an 8-4 win over the Houston Astros in National League play on Monday.

The Mets won their second straight game after losing five in a row to start the season while the Astros four-game winning streak was snapped after they dropped their opening game.

In other National League games played Monday, Russell Branyan hit a pair of two-run homers to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 6-2 win in their home opener against Pittsburgh Pirates.

In Chicago, Adam Eaton and three relievers combined on a six-hit shutout as the San Diego Padres got past the Cubs 1-0.

In Miami, Pat Burrell belted a two-run homer in the first inning to help the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-1 win over the Florida Marlins.

In Atlanta, Rafael Furcal and Andruw Jones hit two-run homers in the fifth inning to power the Braves to an 11-2 win over the Washington Nationals.