Curtis Granderson belted a two-run homer in the first inning and Freddy Garcia tossed six-plus strong frames as the visiting New York Yankees posted a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

After Derek Jeter singled to open the game, Granderson deposited a David Price offering into the seats in right field for his 26th homer of the season and first since July 5.

Granderson also did it with his glove. With the tying runs on base, Granderson ended the fifth by running into the wall while chasing down a fly ball from Evan Longoria.

Eduardo Nunez provided insurance with a two-run single in the ninth for New York, which has won six of its last nine contests.

Garcia (8-7) improved to 9-2 in his career against Tampa Bay after scattering eight hits and striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings.

Price (9-8) yielded two runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Casey Kotchman collected three hits for Tampa Bay, which has dropped eight of its last 12 games.