MLB: N.Y. Yankees 15, Oakland 2

OAKLAND, Calif., April 4 (UPI) -- Alex Rodriquez hit a grand slam to cap a 7-run New York rally and power the Yankees to a season-opening 15-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

New York's Hideki Matsui had four hits, including a 3-run home run in Monday's onslaught, in helping Randy Johnson (1-0) improve to 7-2 in season-opening assignments.

The Yankees took advantage of four walks by Oakland starter Barry Zito (0-1), who gave up as many bases on balls as he recorded outs. New York totaled 17 hits and nine walks on the night. Rodriquez and new Yankee Johnny Damon each had three hits.

New York got RBI singles from Bernie Williams, Damon and Derek Jeter, which made the score 3-0 before Rodriquez drove a Zito pitch deep to left field for a 7-0 lead.

Matsui's home run came during a 4-run fourth inning to and put the Yankees up 11-1. New York added 2-run rallies in the fifth and eighth innings.

Frank Thomas, making his debut with Oakland, hit a home run in the second inning. It was the 449th of his career and one of five hits Johnson allowed in seven innings of work.