NEW YORK -- Hideki Matsui hit his first major league home run Tuesday, connecting for a grand slam in the fifth inning of the New York Yankees' home opener against the Minnesota Twins.

In his first game at Yankee Stadium, Matsui showed fans the power that earned him the nickname Godzilla in Japan.

After Bernie Williams was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out, Matsui worked the count full against Joe Mays as fans chanted "Mat-su-i! Mat-su-i!"

Matsui then hit a drive into the right field bleachers, drawing a thunderous ovation from the crowd at the chilly 35-degree opener.

One fan held a sign reading "Grand Matsui" as he broke into a smile when he reached home. With the crowd still cheering, manager Joe Torre told him to go out for a curtain call.

Matsui's parents and brother were in the stands watching his first homer. It was 6:45 a.m. Wednesday back in Japan.

Matsui, who signed a $21 million, three-year contract in the offseason, was 8-for-28 in his first six games on the road.

He made himself a fan favorite in his first game in New York. He got a loud cheer in pregame introductions and earned a standing ovation after making a great play in the field to save a run.

With runners on first and second in the fourth inning, Torii Hunter hit a line drive in the gap in left-center. Matsui came over from left field and reached high above his head to cut off the ball and allow only one run to score.

Andy Pettitte retired the next two batters to keep the game tied at 1.

Matsui he was a three-time MVP for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants in the Central League in Japan. He hit 332 homers in 10 seasons, including 50 last year.