Hiroki Kuroda's New York debut didn't go quite as planned, allowing six runs in less than six innings of work and taking the loss in a Tampa Bay Rays 8-6 win over the Yankees on Saturday night.
Kuroda allowed runs in each of the first three innings, including a pair in his first inning on the mound for the Yankees.
The Yankees offense didn't fare much better against Rays starter David Price, who went six and one third strong innings, allowing just two runs.
A ninth inning rally from New York came up short, as they weren't able to overcome a six run deficit heading into the final frame. Nick Swisher connected on a three run homer to shave the margin down to 8-6, but Alex Rodriguez grounded out to end the game.
These two teams will finish out their series on Sunday afternoon, when Phil Hughes makes his season debut for New York against talented youngster Jeremy Hellickson.
For more on the Yankees, check out the SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley, while D-Rays Bayis all about the Rays.