Michael Pineda's first start in the Bronx came more than two years after he was acquired by the Yankees but it resulted in his first win with the team, a 4-1 triumph over the rival Red Sox in the first game of four.

However, it came with some controversy.

Video cameras showed a substance on Pineda's (1-1) pitching hand for the first few innings (which some have suggested was pine tar, and would be illegal), but the dark colored residue was gone by the middle innings - video here.

Update: When asked about the substance after the game, Pineda said he doesn't use pine tar adding that his hands get very sweaty indicating he just had dirt stuck to his hand. Interestingly, Boston's David Oritz was asked about the issue and replied that 'everyone' uses pine tar. Red Sox manager John Farrell said he didn't bring the issue to the attention of the umpires because by the time he learned of it, Pineda's hand was already clean.

The big right-righty allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings before giving up a Daniel Nava homer to lead off the seventh. He was pulled after allowing a single to the next batter, exiting after four hits, one earned and seven strikeouts in six-plus innings.

The first five Yankees in the lineup each had at least one hit - Derek Jeter smacked two - and Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann each had an RBI. Dean Anna got the start at second base and clubbed his first big-league home run.

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