Russell Martin hit a three-run homer to back seven strong innings by A.J. Burnett and the host New York Yankees extended their winning streak to four games with a 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night.

Burnett (8-6) limited the Brewers to two runs on seven hits to help the Yankees open a 2 1/2-game lead over Boston atop the American League East.

Jorge Posada homered and Nick Swisher had a run-scoring single, giving him eight RBIs in the last four games.

Mariano Rivera earned his 21st save and moved into 12th on the career appearance list with 1,011.

Ryan Braun had three hits and an RBI single to extend his hitting streak to 19 games as Milwaukee saw its lead in the National League Central shaved to one game over St. Louis.

Martin’s blast capped a four-run fourth against Brewers starter Shaun Marcum (7-3). It was his 10th homer of the year and first since May 24.

Marcum allowed four runs, five hits, walked three and struck out six in five innings.