Ivan Nova had the best start of his career, Curtis Granderson belted two home runs and the New York Yankees snapped a three-game losing skid with a 4-1 road victory over the Texas Rangers.

Nova (3-2), who sealed his rotation spot with a solid spring training, went a career-long 7 1/3 innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits with a walk and a strikeout. Mariano Rivera recorded his 12th save by tossing a perfect ninth.

The Yankees were able to capitalize on a rough beginning for Rangers starter Matt Harrison (3-4). Granderson had a two-run shot in the first, and Russell Martin scored on a throwing error by Harrison in the second to give New York an early 3-0 lead.

Granderson cushioned the margin with a solo homer in the seventh.

While Nova impressive, it was also another sign that the Rangers’ offense desperately misses injured slugger Josh Hamilton, as well as Nelson Cruz. Texas, which has lost five of its last six, avoided the shutout when Julio Borbon hit an RBI single in the eighth.

Harrison, whose rotation spot has come in question with shaky outings of late, battled back and lasted six innings. Command was an issue, as he had five walks and just three strikeouts.