American League

Yankees 7, Royals 3

New York

Umpire Ken Kaiser wore a ski mask. A fan dressed like Santa Claus. The organist played “Winter Wonderland.”

On an afternoon better suited for snowballs than baseballs, the New York Yankees won their home opener in blizzard-like conditions Tuesday, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3.

The snow started before winner Andy Pettitte’s first pitch and lasted until John Wetteland’s last toss. It began as flakes, then turned to flurries and eventually, whipped by winds that never quit blowing, became a full-fledged, howling storm.

Rarely has a major league game been played in such wintry conditions. Because the snow never stuck - it was 40 degrees at game time - the action was allowed to continue without a stop.

Baseball has been plagued by snow, rain and cold this year, resulting in eight early postponements. But this game clearly was the poster scene for critics who complain the season starts too early.

Rangers 3, White Sox 2

Chicago

Texas remained baseball’s only unbeaten team beating Chicago to go 7-0 - the best start in club history.

Kevin Gross pitched six strong innings and Kevin Elster doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh to spoil Chicago’s home opener before a crowd of 34,750 on a sunny but chilly day at Comiskey Park.

The 1987 Milwaukee Brewers were the last A.L. team to start 7-0 when they set a league record by winning their first 13 games.

Blue Jays 5, Angels 0

Toronto

Pat Hentgen pitched a five-hit shutout and Charlie O’Brien hit a two-run home run and drove in three runs, powering Toronto over California.

Red Sox 9, Twins 1

Boston

Tom Gordon pitched a complete game and new leadoff hitter Mike Greenwell drove in three runs as Boston beat Minnesota in the chilly makeup of Monday’s snowed-out home opener.

Brewers 10, Athletics 4

Milwaukee

Ben McDonald dominated Oakland in his home debut and Milwaukee hit three homers.

Indians at Orioles, ppd.

Baltimore

Rain postponed Cleveland’s road game until Thursday.