Yanks' Drop Opener to Mets; Pettitte Struggles

Andy Pettitte delivers a pitch against the Mets Friday night. (Getty Images)

The Yankees weren't able to battle back against their early deficit as they fell to the Mets 6-4 Friday night.

Andy Pettitte started for the Yankees and he struggled early on. He gave up 5 runs in the first inning on 5 hits. The big hit was a three-run home run by Ike Davis. Pettitte would stay in the game and pitch 6 innings. He allowed 5 runs on 7 hits and struck out 6 batters. He issued 2 walks. He threw 102 pitches, 64 in which were for strikes.

Andy Pettitte was 1 for 2 at the plate with 1 strikeout.

The last time that Andy Pettitte allowed 5 or more runs in the first innng of a game was way back in September of 2001 in Toronto against the Blue Jays. They would end up losing that game 14-0.

The Yankee offense was quiet early on against Jon Niese. They had their chances early on to score, but couldn't come through with the big hit.

Alex Rodriguez got the Yankees on the board in the sixth inning with a solo home run that hit the big apple in center field. Andruw Jones hit a solo home run to left field in the 7th and Robinson Cano hit a mammoth two-run shot to right field in the eighth.

The Yankees would attempt to comeback against the Mets closer, Frank Francisco, in the ninth inning, but were to no avail.

Russell Martin hit a line drive to deep center field that was caught by Andres Torres. Raul Ibanez would walk and then Derek Jeter would single to left field. Curtis Granderson struck out on a fastball right down the middle and then Mark Teixeira would pop out to the shortstop, Ronny Cedeno.

The Yankees and Mets will play Game 2 tomorrow night.