Javier Vazquez was sharp over six scoreless innings and rookie Keith Russo had a two-run double for his first major-league RBIs as the New York Yankees beat the rival Mets, 2-1, on Friday.

Vazquez (3-4), who entered the night with an AL-worst 8.01 ERA, looked right at home against the overmatched Mets, allowing just one hit – a fifth-inning single to Angel Pagan. The hard-throwing right-hander walked two and struck out six.

Russo, who was recalled Thursday after the Yankees placed catcher Jorge Posada on the 15-day DL, finished 2-for-3 and had the decisive double in the seventh inning off Elmer Dessens (0-1). Mariano Rivera surrendered a run in the ninth on back-to-back doubles by Jason Bay and Ike Davis, but held on to earn his eighth save.

The victory ended the Yankees’ three-game losing streak, while sending the Mets to their ninth defeat in the last 10 games.

The lack of offense spoiled a solid outing from Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi, who allowed just five hits over six shutout innings. He walked one and struck out five.

Dessens, making his first major-league appearance of the season, was saddled with the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in 2/3 of an inning.