Adrian Gonzalez hit a three-run homer and Josh Beckett pitched six strong innings as the visiting Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 6-0 on Saturday.

Beckett (3-1) outdueled CC Sabathia (3-3) for the second time this season as he allowed four hits and struck out nine to stretch his scoreless streak to 18 1/3 innings. Resurgent Boston has taken four of five from New York this season and can reach .500 for the first time with a victory Sunday night.

Sabathia gave up six runs, seven hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings as the Yankees dropped a season-high fourth straight game.

New York trailed 2-0 entering the seventh before an RBI single by Jason Varitek and Gonzalez' blast on Sabathia’s last offering made it 6-0. Gonzalez has homered in four straight games, and leads the majors with 19 RBIs in May.

The Yankees, who were also shut out by Beckett last month, are 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position this series.

New York designated hitter Jorge Posada did not play after he reportedly demanded to be taken out of the lineup. He was scheduled to bat ninth for the first time since May 14, 1999.