Cano, who had hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, lashed a single into the right-field gap that scored Alex Rodriguez with the game-winner.
Johnny Damon whacked a solo homer in the third inning, and Jorge Posada got an RBI with a groundout in the first for New York.
Winner Chad Gaudin (1-0) pitched the final two innings, allowing one hit.
Randy Ruiz hit a solo home run and scored twice, and Raul Chavez drove in a run for the Jays.
The Yankees' Derek Jeter left the game in the first inning with a foot injury. A team spokesman said X-rays were negative.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.