NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Yankees are the American League champs for the 40th time in team history.

The Bombers relied on Andy Pettitte's strong pitching and a pair of rallies to beat the Los Angeles Angeles 5-2 in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium.

Pettitte became the all-time winningest pitcher in major league postseason history, claiming his 16th by holding the Angels to a run and seven hits while striking out six in 6 1-3 innings. The lefty pitched in and out of trouble most of the game but blanked L.A. after Bobby Abreu's RBI single in the third inning.

The Yankees used a three-run fourth to take the lead for good, loading the bases before Johnny Damon laced a two-run single. Alex Rodriguez worked out a bases-loaded walk to put the Yanks ahead 3-1 and chase loser Joe Saunders, who was reached for seven hits and five walks.

Mariano Rivera gave up Vladimir Guerrero's RBI single in the eighth before the Yankees broke it open, scoring on a throwing error and a sacrifice fly. Rivera got the final three outs for the save.

The outcome sets up a matchup between the Yanks and Phillies in the World Series, which begins Wednesday in the Bronx.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)