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Yanks use big frame to rout Rangers
Jeter scores 1,500th, Matsui homers in seven-run fourth

NEW YORK -- The Yankees' box score on Tuesday night read like a rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas."

New York pounded out a season-high 12 runs on 13 hits with 11 RBIs as it thumped the Rangers, 12-3, in a series-opening win in front of a crowd of 43,948 at Yankee Stadium.

The Bronx Bombers lived up to their billing, churning out a seven-run fourth inning off four hits -- including Hideki Matsui's three-run homer -- and a pair of walks and a hit batsman.

Derek Jeter, who went 3-for-4, scored the 1,500th run of his career in the fourth off starter Vicente Padilla, and Jorge Posada connected for three-run shot of his own off reliever Warner Madrigal in the sixth.

Posada was charged with a throwing error trying to catch Elvis Andrus stealing second in the fourth inning, ending New York's record 18-game errorless streak.

Yankees starter A.J. Burnett picked up his first home win in pinstripes and saw his early mistake -- a three-run homer to Nelson Cruz -- easily eradicated in the offensive onslaught. Burnett scattered eight hits over seven innings and kept the Rangers swinging and missing for most of the night, totaling eight strikeouts.

The win improved the Yankees to 31-21 and solidified their position atop the American League East.

Brittany Ghiroli is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs