Hunter helps Angels edge Yankees

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Angels edged the New York Yankees 1-0 on Friday after Torri Hunter hit an RBI single off closer Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning to seal the visitors' fifth straight victory.

Rivera gave up a lead-off walk and a hit before Hunter drove in pinch-runner Reggie Willits for the game's only run.

"I haven't had very much success with him in the past," Hunter told reporters when asked about facing Rivera.

"I think I'm a little more mature. The guy's nasty with the cutter. I wanted to hit it hard past Derek Jeter, past somebody."

Angels pitcher Ervin Santana outlasted fellow starter Sidney Ponson to record his 12th victory of the season.

Santana tossed eight innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight.

Closer Francisco Rodriguez came on in the bottom of the ninth to slam the door on the Yankees and pick up his Major-League leading 45th save of the season.

Los Angeles (69-40) leads the American League West division by a franchise-best 12 games.

The Angels have won nine of their last 10 games and while they enjoyed a free-hitting 12-6 triumph on Thursday, pitching dominated the latest victory with Ponson giving up just two hits over seven innings for the home team.

Recent Yankees' acquisition Damaso Marte, pitched a perfect eighth with two strikeouts, before handing the ball to Rivera.

The Yankees (59-50) have dropped five of their last six and now trail the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by 5 ½ games in the American League East.

"We're facing good pitching," said Yankees designated-hitter Jason Giambi. "Those guys are good -- you have to tip your cap."

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Martin Petty)