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On this date in Yankees history: ‘A Thrilla by Godzilla!’

BRONX, N.Y. — On this date in 1996, a few snow squalls couldn’t get in the way of the home opener at Yankee Stadium. The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals braved the elements on an April afternoon.

Andy Pettitte blew into his left hand about 60 times and tossed 6.1 frames, fanning six, while yielding three runs in a 7-3 victory.

A Bernie Williams sacrifice fly to center off Chris Haney in the second stanza, give the Bronx Bombers a 1-0 lead.

With the game tied at one in the fifth frame, the Pinstripes took advantage of one of four Royals’ errors and took a 4-1 advantage with a two-run single to center by Paul O’Neill, followed by a Jim Leyritz RBI-single to center as well.