TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Ramiro Mendoza, bidding to become New York's No. 5 starter, threw five shutout innings Thursday as the Yankees snapped a six-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Relievers Jason Grimsley, Mike Stanton and Jeff Nelson held the Red Sox to one hit over the final four innings. New York won for just second time in 13 games, improving to 6-18 overall.

Mendoza gave up three hits, struck out three and hit a batter. The right-hander retired nine straight and 12 of 13 after allowing Jose Offerman's single to lead off the game.

``I wish I get the opportunity to be the fifth starter,'' Mendoza said. ``If the teams decides to sent me back to the bullpen, I'll do the best I can.''

The Red Sox opened the fifth inning against Mendoza with consecutive singles by Mike Stanley and Brian Daubach. After Trot Nixon was retired on a flyout, Joe Siddall hit into an inning-ending double play.

``Probably the best inning was the last inning,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said. ``He's capable of getting out of a jam. That's why I like him in the bullpen, although now he made a statement for himself. I like what he's doing.''

Ed Yarnall, the other contender for the No. 5 spot, will start Sunday's game against Minnesota. Yarnall has struggled in three spring starts, allowing 21 runs in six innings.

``We won't need that fifth starter for a time, and we'll see what happens,'' Torre said.

The Yankees will not require a fifth starter until around April 15.

The Yankees took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Shane Spencer hit into a double play. Derek Jeter had an RBI single in the eighth.

Boston starter Juan Pena allowed one run and three hits in 3 2-3 innings. The right-hander has given up two runs in 13 2-3 innings this spring.

Four Red Sox pitchers limited New York to five hits. Rheal Cormier struck out three and did not allow a hit over 2 1-3 innings.

Notes: New York LHP Andy Pettitte gave up four runs _ three earned _ and six hits over six innings in a Triple-A game. ... Boston RHP Tim Wakefield threw five shutout innings in a minor-league game. ... New York picked up 1B Tino Martinez's $6 million option for the 2001 season. ... Yankees OF Tim Raines announced his retirement before the game. ... New York LHP Allen Watson (shoulder) may pitch Friday.