Yankees win World Series

The New York Yankees won the World Series for a record 27th time after an inspired performance from Japanese designated hitter Hideki Matsui secured a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Matsui matched the World Series game record of six RBIs thanks to a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning, which was followed by a single and a double which each allowed two colleagues to score.

In their first season at the new Yankee Stadium, the New York side lost the opening match of the post-season but then hit back to lead the series 3-1, only for the Phillies to slash that lead with Monday's 8-6 victory at Citizens Bank Park.

Game six was dominated by the Yankees though, and with the Empire State Building lit up in blue and white, it was a landmark day for the team.

Matsui gave the Yankees a strong start with his round-tripper in the bottom of the second, also allowing Alex Rodriguez to score.

Carlos Ruiz scored in the top of the third to cut the lead, but the Yankees pulled 4-1 clear in the bottom of the inning when Matsui's single to centre field allowed Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon through.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the home side stretched their lead to 5-1 as Jeter scored in the bottom of the fifth off a single from Mark Teixeira.

It became a rout at 7-1 when the inspired Matsui smashed JA Happ, pitching in place of the off-form Martinez, for a double off the right wall and Teixeira and Rodriguez both scored.

The Phillies responded in the sixth, as Ryan Howard homered to left field and Chase Utley also scored, but they had nothing left thereafter.