The AA Trenton Thunder opened up their playoff series against the Portland SeaDogs with a 3-1 win tonight. Of greater interest to Yankees fans, Hideki Matsui made his first rehab appearance and struck out, lined out hard to right, was intentionally walked and then singled home an insurance run the seventh inning.

The other major story of the night proved to be the always entertaining Phil Hughes. who didn't get the win but struck out 13 batters, one short of the franchise record, in six innings.