DETROIT, May 30 (UPI) -- Jose Contreras tossed seven innings in his first career start Friday night and got support from Jason Giambi, who homered twice, as the New York Yankees blanked the Detroit Tigers, 6-0.
More than five months after signing a four-year, $32 million contract with New York, Contreras stepped in for injured starter David Wells. His effort Friday night likely eased memories of his early-season struggles as the Cuban righthander dominated Detroit and did not allow a hit before the game was delayed by rain after the top of the fifth.
Despite waiting 44 minutes for the game to resume, Contreras (2-1) returned to the mound. His no-hitter was spoiled by the first batter he faced, but he allowed just one hit thereafter.
Contreras threw 49 of 81 pitches for strikes, issued just one walk and struck out six.
Giambi opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning and added a solo shot in the eighth. It was his second multi-homer game of the season and the 21st of his career.
The Yankees have won three straight games on the heels of a season-high five-game losing streak.
Detroit starter Gary Knotts (2-4) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.
