Almost a no-no for Romero

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Alex Rios had mixed emotions about breaking up former teammate Ricky Romero's no-hit effort.

Romero became the latest Toronto pitcher to take a no-hit try into the late innings, losing his bid in the eighth when Rios homered in the Blue Jays' 4-2 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

"It just wasn't one of those nights where it was destined to happen for me and maybe it never will be," Romero said. "To come that close, it's pretty cool. It's an awesome feeling."

Romero struck out a career-high 12, walked two and was in complete control until hitting A.J. Pierzynski with a pitch to start the eighth. Rios followed with a no-doubt drive to deep left for Chicago's only hit, ruffling Romero.

"It's kind of mixed feelings," Rios said. "It's another team that you have to play and beat but, at the same time, you know the guy. I don't even know how to explain it."

Rios spent most of last year with Toronto before Chicago claimed him on waivers in August. It was his second homer of the season.

Yankees 7, Angels 5: Derek Jeter homered, Jorge Posada had three hits, Andy Pettitte dazzled and Mariano Rivera closed it out. Nothing more fitting on the day World Series rings were handed out in the Bronx.

The core four each picked up championship bling No. 5, then led New York to a win over Los Angeles in its home opener in front of a record regular-season crowd of 49,293 that included owner George Steinbrenner.

Rays 8, Orioles 6, 10 inn.: Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer off Matt Albers in the 10th inning, and Tampa Bay won at Baltimore.

Tigers 6, Royals 5: Carlos Guillen's two-run double capped a six-run rally in the seventh inning and Detroit rallied past visiting Kansas City after falling behind 5-0.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dodgers 9, Diamondbacks 5: Manny Ramirez homered for the first time this season, the first of four longballs by the Dodgers, and Los Angeles beat Arizona to win its home opener for the third consecutive year.

Pirates 6, Giants 5: Garrett Jones had three hits and two RBIs, leading Pittsburgh at San Francisco.

Rockies 11, Mets 3: At Denver, Greg Smith struck out eight in seven innings, leading Colorado past New York.

Reds 10, Marlins 8, 11 inn.: At Miami, Joey Votto drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the 11th inning, and Cincinnati beat Florida.