Matsui hits two-run home run in debut game with Rays

Return of Godzilla: Hideki Matsui rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in his debut with the Rays. KYODO

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Hideki Matsui made a great first impression in his Tampa Bay debut.

Hideki Matsui hits a two-run home run during Tampa Bay's 7-2 loss against the White Sox on Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Florida. Matsui, appearing in his first MLB game of the season, homered in the second at-bat of his Rays debut. KYODO PHOTO

Matsui provided all the Rays offense with a two-run homer in Tampa Bay's 7-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

The Rays purchased the 2009 World Series MVP's contract from Triple-A Durham before the game.

"It was nice to hit the home run, but we lost the game," Matsui said through a translator. "Physically I feel fine. So hopefully I can just keep building from here."

Philip Humber won for the first time since throwing a perfect game in April, helping the White Sox extend their winning streak to seven games.

Humber (2-2) was 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA over six starts since his gem against Seattle on April 21. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits over seven innings Tuesday.

Matsui put the Rays ahead 2-0 on a long homer to right off a Humber fastball in the fourth. It was his first homer since Sept. 19 against Texas while with Oakland.

"Absolutely great," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "The new guy in town homers."

Matsui, who turns 38 on June 12, started in left field. He played 13 games with Durham after signing a minor league contract with Tampa Bay on April 30.

"He's been a quality batsman in the league for a long time," Humber said. "First pitch of the at-bat, I felt like it was a pretty decent pitch, but he put a good swing on it. You've got to tip your cap sometimes, but he's a good hitter and it's not a mistake he's been around as long as he has."

Matsui has 174 homers in the majors, and 506 overall when you include his time playing with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.

"He looked really good," Maddon said. "He had a great first game for us."

Matsui got a nice welcome, with a few fans giving him a standing ovation, before his first at-bat. He finished 1-for-4.

Angels 5, Yankees 1

In Anaheim, Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo homered, Dan Haren pitched into the eighth inning, and the Angels extended their longest winning streak in nearly three years to eight games.

Mariners 10, Rangers 3

In Arlington, Texas, John Jaso drove in three runs and starter Jason Vargas pitched into the seventh inning.

Ichiro Suzuki finished 1-for-3 with an RBI for Seattle.

Red Sox 6, Tigers 3

In Boston, David Ortiz homered and hit two doubles, and the Red Sox moved above .500 for the first time this season, tagging Justin Verlander for 10 hits in a win over Detroit.

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 6

In Toronto, Brett Lawrie had three hits and three RBIs, and Ricky Romero won for the seventh time in nine starts against Baltimore.

Royals 8, Indians 2

In Cleveland, Mike Moustakas had a career-best four RBIs to help rookie Will Smith get his first major league win, leading Kansas City past the Indians.

Twins 3, Athletics 2

In Minneapolis, Josh Willingham hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Minnesota over Oakland.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Marlins 3, Nationals 1

In Miami, Anibal Sanchez allowed only an unearned run in seven innings to remain unbeaten in 19 starts against Washington.

Braves 5, Cardinals 4

In Atlanta, Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer, Michael Bourn also went deep and the Braves snapped and eight-game skid, their longest losing streak in more than two years.

Cubs 5, Padres 3

In Chicago, Alfonso Soriano homered, Jeff Samardzija struck out eight in seven innings and the Cubs beat San Diego.

Mets 6, Phillies 3

In New York, Jeremy Hefner earned his first victory in the majors, highlighting the occasion by homering for his first big league hit.

The 26-year-old rookie became the first major league pitcher to hit his first homer in his first win since 2002, when Dennis Tankersley did it with San Diego.

Reds 8, Pirates 1

In Pittsburgh, Jay Bruce had three hits, including a pair of doubles and Todd Frazier drove in two runs.

Brewers 2, Dodgers 1

In Los Angeles, Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer, getting back at Dodgers fans who booed his every move.

Giants 3, Diamondbacks 1

In San Francisco, Melky Cabrera got his 50th hit of the month to spark the go-ahead rally and Buster Posey drove in a pair of runs.

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