The A's smashed the Yankees in the first game of the series, earning an 8-1 win. Ted Lilly, who was starting this game while he appealed a six-game suspension, performed as though he had other things on his mind.

Oakland rocked the left-handed rookie for five runs in the first two innings. He was especially hurt by his lack of control. Lilly walked five batters in those two innings of work.

Three of those runs scored on a homer by Jason Giambi, the AL's reigning MVP. The A's added three more runs in the sixth inning, courtesy of a three-run homer from Jermaine Dye. The Yankees, meanwhile, scratched out their lone run in the eighth inning, long after the outcome had been decided.

New York 000 000 010 - 1 4 0
Oakland     230 003 00X - 8 6 0
WP: Lidle (7-5) LP: Lilly (3-5) -- 2B: Saenz (16) -- HR: O'Neill (17); Ja Giambi (27), Dye (17)