The New York Yankees defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-5 last night in the opening game of a three-game series. The Yankees scored four runs in the first inning off Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, but battled back to take a 5-4 lead in the top of the third inning. Ashcraft allowed the game away, allowing four more runs in the bottom of the third. The Pirates bullpen completed the game with five scoreless innings. Ashcraft allowed eigh…