Bronx, NY (Sports Network) – Francisco Cervelli hit a two-run single in the first inning to help back a strong start from Andy Pettitte, as the Yankees edged the Astros, 4-3, in the opener of a three-game interleague series.
The contest was played on the seventh anniversary of a historic event involving both teams, as the Astros used six pitchers to no-hit the Yankees on this date in 2003.
While a no-hitter wasn’t in play long Friday, Pettitte (8-1) had a little more success than Astros starter Brett Myers (4-4) to help New York open its nine- game homestand with a victory.
Pettitte gave up three runs (two earned) in 7 1/3 innings to win his 200th game as a Yankee, while Myers allowed four runs in seven innings to take the loss.
Pettitte got into trouble in the eighth inning before Joba Chamberlain got the final two outs, while Mariano Rivera worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 15th save.