NEW YORK (AFP) - The New York Yankees won their record 27th World Series title, defeating the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 for their first Major League Baseball crown since 2000.

The Yankees won the best-of-seven championship series four games to two to stretch the greatest legacy of championship success in North American sport.

Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui matched a 49-year-old World Series record by knocking in six runs in a single game.

The Japanese star smashed a two-run home run in the second inning, a two-run single in the third and a two-run double in the fifth.

Andy Pettitte won his record-extending 18th playoff game, the 37-year-old US southpaw having also taken a game three victory. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera picked up his record 12th Series save.