KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Andy Pettitte picked up his first victory and Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera each homered and drove in two runs, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 Thursday night and avoid a series sweep.

Pettitte (1-1) held the Royals to one run and five hits in 6 2-3 innings, and is 7-0 in his past nine starts against the Royals. Pettitte has a career record of 12-4 with a 3.06 ERA against Kansas City, which is his best earned run average against any American League club.