MLB: N.Y. Yankees 2, Boston 1

NEW YORK, July 5 (UPI) -- Mariano Rivera flirted with disaster Saturday before finally stopping a ninth-inning Boston rally and the New York Yankees edged the Red Sox 2-1.

With New York leading 2-0 entering the top of the ninth, Boston loaded the bases against Rivera with a single and two hit batsmen.

Mike Lowell's single drew Boston within 2-1 before Ramirez fanned Coco Crisp. Jason Varitek then popped out to first baseman Wilson Betemit and Julio Lugo struck out, ending the contest.

Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner knocked in New York's runs, with Cabrera getting two of the six hits for the struggling Yankees, who had lost five of six.

Winner Mike Mussina (11-6) yielded four hits in six scoreless innings with a walk and five strikeouts.

Rivera earned his 23rd save this season despite his shaky ninth.

Dustin Pedroia and J.D. Drew had two hits apiece for the Red Sox, who suffered the fourth loss in their last six games.

The losing pitcher was starter Justin Masterson (4-3).