MLB: N.Y. Yankees 20, Boston 11

The Yankees expanded their lead over Boston in the American League East to 7 1/2 games, beating the Red Sox for the fifth straight time. Boston had won the first eight meetings between the teams this year.

Matsui hit two three-run homers -- one during a six-run fifth and another in a four-run ninth. He drove in another run with a ground out in the seventh.

Alex Rodriguez had four hits for New York and six other players had at least two each.

Boston suffered a one-sided loss despite putting together two three-run innings along with a four-run ninth. The teams combined for 35 hits.

Andy Pettitte (10-6) lasted five-plus innings to get the victory. He allowed five runs on seven hits and left the game with his team leading 12-5.

Brad Penny (7-8) absorbed the loss, giving up eight earned runs on 10 hits in four frames.

Boston maintained a one-game lead over Texas in the American League wild card race, but its advantage over Tampa Bay was reduced to three games.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.