New York -- The New York Yankees are kings of the baseball world once again with their 27th World Series title.

Riding a record-tying six RBI performance by designated hitter Hideki Matsui, the Yankees clinched their first title since 2000 by eliminating defending World Series champion Philadelphia 7-3 in Game 6.

The winning pitcher was 37-year-old veteran Andy Pettitte. Pitching on three days' rest, Pettitte went five and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Pettitte, the winningest postseason pitcher ever with 18 victories, won four games in this postseason. He got the victory in all three Yankee clinchers in the postseason, against the Twins, Angels and Phillies.

Pettitte, who was unsure whether he would pitch this season, said afterward: "This is what I came back for."

Yankee closer Mariano Rivera got the final five outs to touch off the wild celebration throughout the city. A giddy Rivera, who turns 40 this month, joked afterward that he's "thinking about playing another five years."

New York City will formally greet its heroes with a ticker-tape parade through the "Canyon of Heroes" in lower Broadway tomorrow. Newly re-elected Mayor Michael Bloomberg will present the Bronx Bombers with keys to the city.