NY Yankees 6, Kansas City 3

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- One day after Roger Clemens came off the disabled list, closer Mariano Rivera also made a successful return Thursday, needing just seven pitches to preserve the Yankees' 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Rivera recorded his 25th save in his first appearance since facing only one batter against the Boston Red Sox on July 20. He got rookie Aaron Guiel and Neifi Perez to fly out before Brent Mayne tapped back to the mound to end the game.

Andy Pettitte (7-4), the Yankees' most effective starter since the All-Star break, allowed 10 hits but just three runs over 7 2/3 innings with no walks and one strikeout.

The 30-year-old lefthander posted his third straight win and improved to 5-1 with a 1.85 ERA in his last six starts.

Pettitte was not quite as sharp as in his last outing when he tossed 8 1/3 scoreless innings at Anaheim, but his teammates backed him with more power. Robin Ventura, Raul Mondesi and Alfonso Soriano accounted for all of the Yankees' offense with home runs.

It marked the 21st time New York has hit at least three homers in a game this season. The Yankees, who lead the major leagues with 172 homers, accomplished that feat 20 times all of last year.

Paul Byrd (14-8), Kansas City's best starter, endured a rare subpar outing, allowing all six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Clemens earned the victory Wednesday, his first triumph since turning 40.