Pettitte fires sixth straight win

Andy Pettitte outpitched Johan Santana as the Yankees beat the Mets, 3-2.

NEW YORK (AP) — Andy Pettitte was getting antsy during a sixth-inning rain delay. He figured he owed the New York Yankees at least a few more outs, but his body was beginning to stiffen up in the clubhouse.

So the 36-year-old lefty went down to the bullpen and started throwing to stay loose, which helped him get through one more valuable inning before calling it a day.

Pettitte outpitched Johan Santana for his sixth straight win Saturday, leading the Yankees past the New York Mets 3-2 at soggy Shea Stadium.

“I’m not worried. If my arm goes out again, I’ll just take it to the house,” Pettitte said, smiling. “I didn’t think I was coming out.”

Robinson Cano delivered a key RBI single off Santana, who has received little support from his teammates while dropping four consecutive decisions for the second time in his career.

Pettitte (9-5) allowed only solo homers to Ramon Castro and David Wright in six neat innings, winning his fourth start in a row since allowing 10 runs in a June 7 no-decision against Kansas City. The left-hander improved to 6-0 with a 3.54 ERA in eight outings since a May 17 loss to Santana at Yankee Stadium.

“It’s not the first time I’ve pitched against an ace of another staff,” Pettitte said. “It’s always a challenge.”

Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth each worked a scoreless inning before Mariano Rivera got three quick outs to remain perfect in 22 save chances this season.

“This is what makes the season — the one-run games,” Farnsworth said. “It was just a big win all around today.”

Rivera has saved 54 of Pettitte’s 210 career wins, the second-highest total by a pair of major league pitchers since saves became an official stat in 1969, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley saved 55 victories for Bob Welch.

“He’s just great. You can’t say enough about what he’s done, how easy he makes it look. It’s not that easy,” Pettitte said about Rivera. “I’m fortunate to have him closing for me. I’m not going to lie — I’m a little envious of him because he makes it look awfully easy out there.”

Carlos Beltran struck out all four times up, three against Pettitte, and the Mets fell to 3-2 in the Subway Series this season. The road team has won all five games.

The final meeting of the year is today, with erratic Mets lefty Oliver Perez possibly pitching to keep his spot in the rotation.