BOSTON — The Opening Day sideshows were all over the place.

A flyover by two jet planes and fireworks before the game. The ceremonial first pitch by Pedro Martinez. Live performances of "God Bless America" by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler during the seventh-inning stretch, and "Sweet Caroline," a Red Sox theme song, by Neil Diamond after the top of the eighth.

Then there was the usual serious stuff — another wild game between Boston and the New York Yankees in the latest installment of their rivalry, a game won by the Red Sox 9-7 with two comebacks Sunday in the first night opener in the 98-year history of Fenway Park.

"It was cranked up to what it was supposed to be. It showed on both sides," Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson said after his first regular-season game since being obtained from Detroit.

The other centerfielder, also new to his team, agreed.

"It was good," Boston's Mike Cameron said, "a little nerve-racking, but it was good."

Kevin Youkilis had three extra-base hits, Dustin Pedroia hit a two-run homer, and three new starters had big nights with the bat as Boston rallied to beat the defending World Series champions in the major league opener.

General manager Theo Epstein emphasized "run prevention" in building the team for the new season..

But the Red Sox needed just one game to show they have the ability to score runs.

"We all have faith in ourselves," said Youkilis, who scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball in the seventh inning. "It's good to get a win opening night."