NEW YORK - Randy Johnson couldn't keep the New York Yankees from falling into a tie for last place in the AL East.

Eduardo Perez hit two home runs off Johnson, Hideo Nomo pitched effectively into the sixth inning on three days' rest and the Devil Rays ended an 11-game losing streak at Yankee Stadium with a 6-2 victory over New York on Tuesday night.

"This is the type of game that'll give us a confidence boost," Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella said. "Hideo Nomo did an excellent job of pitching; we played flawless on the field, too."

Nomo and three relievers limited the Yankees to nine hits, one night after they battered Tampa Bay for 20 hits and 19 runs.

The Devil Rays' first win in New York since Sept. 14, 2003, was the Yankees' fifth loss in six games and dropped the AL East champions to 5-9 - the same record as Tampa Bay.

Johnson (1-1) has allowed five homers over two consecutive outings for the first time in his career, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

"He pitched well enough to win," said Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who made a key error. "He just had a little problem with Perez."

Johnson had no trouble with the Devil Rays' lineup except for Perez, who hadn't homered since April 10, 2004. He gave up four other hits - two in the eighth - and struck out eight. Johnson hit two batters and walked none.

"I'm disappointed, no doubt about it," he said.

The Big Unit has not won since beating Boston 9-2 on opening day.

"I thought he was better tonight than in his other starts," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

Johnson gave up six runs - five earned - and has given up at least five runs in each of his last three starts.