Healthy Williams Powers Yankees

Healthy again, Bernie Williams is putting a hurt on the rest of the American League.

Williams’ tiebreaking solo homer triggered a three-run sixth inning that carried the New York Yankees to a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

“Every time I come back from an injury, it’s a struggle to get everything together,” Williams said. “As long as I’m there mentally, I’m OK.”

Williams has hardly struggled since returning from a knee injury July 18. He is 13 for 35 (.371) since coming off the disabled list and he increased his major league-leading average to .355 by going three for four with his 12th homer and a double.

David Wells (12-2) gave up three runs and seven hits with 10 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings, improving to 8-0 in 10 starts at home.

“He’s a great competitor and he really gives us a good effort every time out there,” Williams said of Wells. “We just have to get him some hits.”

Wells won his fourth consecutive decision and 12th of his last 13.

“He pitched great. He pretty much controlled everything (and) he was wild enough not to keep guys looking in one zone,” said the White Sox’s Robin Ventura, who went zero or three with a walk.

Albert Belle gave the White Sox a 1-0 lead when he opened the second inning with his 31st home run.

The Yankees are 73-26, the best 99-game start in team history. They are one win off the pace of the 1902 Pittsburgh Pirates for the best start this century.

Next Series For Angels

WHO: New York Yankees

WHERE: Edison Field

WHEN: Tuesday, 7 p.m., Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, 7 p.m.