MLB: N.Y. Yankees 4, Boston 2

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Solid pitching by Andy Pettitte Sunday led the New York Yankees to a 4-2 win over Boston and their first American League East title since 2006.

The win also finished a three-game sweep.

Pettitte (14-7) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings.

Closer Mariano Rivera earned his 44th save with a scoreless ninth.

Hideki Matsui's two-run single snapped a 2-2 tie with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.

Melky Cabrera and Mark Teixeira hit solo homers, with both players getting two hits along with Derek Jeter for the Yankees, who have won five in a row.

Boston scored on Mike Lowell's first-inning infield single and his double play ground out in the third.

Jason Bay and J.D. Drew had two hits apiece for the Red Sox, who have lost five of seven but maintain their AL wild-card lead over Texas.

The losing pitcher was starter Paul Byrd (1-3).