FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Yankees, who played split-squad games Monday, understandably left marquee players such as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield back in Tampa, rather than trekking for a two-hour bus ride to face the Red Sox.

But the sluggers who did make the trip made it worth their while in a 9-2 victory over the Red Sox in the first meeting between the rivals since Game 7 of last October's American League Championship Series.

Jason Giambi, greeted by his share of boos from the standing-room-only crowd of 7,723, bashed his first homer of the exhibition season, a solo shot off John Halama. And Hideki Matsui, who has been notoriously tough against the Red Sox the last few seasons, added a solo shot and a double and scored three runs.

Right-hander Chien-ming Wang earned the win for the Yankees, pitching three shutout innings. Lefty Abe Alvarez took the loss, getting touched up for four hits and two runs in his two innings.

Russ Johnson also had a productive night for the Yankees, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs, helping to pace a 14-hit attack by the visitors.

Though it was a fairly quiet night offensively from the Sox, they did get a solo homer from Trot Nixon and an RBI single by Adam Hyzdu.

The defending World Series champion Red Sox improved to 4-1 in Grapefruit League action, while the Yankees (1-4-1) grabbed their first victory.