MLB

Andy Pettitte shaky as Yankees open second half with loss to Red Sox

BOSTON — Andy Pettitte’s first post-All-Star break start looked a lot like too many of the veteran lefty’s outings before the All-Star Game.

There were positive tones during a 4-2 loss to the Red Sox last night in front of a Fenway Park crowd of 38,130. Yet, the numbers don’t lie when attached to the 41-year-old Yankees icon.

In 6 1/3 innings Pettitte allowed four runs and six hits. Three of the runs came on homers by Jacoby Ellsbury (solo in first) and Jonny Gomes (two-run in the second). The other run scored after Pettitte was replaced by Shawn Kelley with a runner on second and one out in the seventh.

In Pettitte’s last seven starts he is 2-4 with a 5.53 ERA and has allowed 55 hits in 42 ¹/₃ innings.

“I think he has had some bad luck. He has had some pitches thrown not exactly where he wants them. In the last start we didn’t play very well behind him,’’ manager Joe Girardi said prior to the loss that evened Pettitte’s record at 7-7. “But you know he is going to compete every time and give you a chance to win.’’

It was the fourth straight start Pettitte gave up a run in the first frame. In the previous three games he allowed multiple runs in the opening inning.

The Yankees’ third consecutive loss dropped them seven games back of the AL East-leading Red Sox. It’s the Yankees’ largest deficit of the season and started a crucial 10-game stretch on a bad note.

Pettitte’s night ended in the seventh with Gomes on second, one out and the Red Sox leading, 3-2.

With the right-handed hitting Brandon Snyder coming to the plate, Girardi called for the right-handed Kelley. Pettitte was surprised by the move and watched from the dugout as Brock Holt, a lefty swinger, batted for Snyder. He grounded to Kelley, who wild-pitched Gomes to third and watched him score on Jose Iglesias’ soft single to right.

The Yankees scored a run before getting a hit off Felix Doubront (7-3). Brett Gardner walked, stole second and third and scored on a throwing error by Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the fourth, an inning before the leadoff hitter was ejected for throwing his helmet after being called out on a 3-2 pitch.

Chris Stewart’s two-out double in the fifth delivered the Yankees’ second run.

george.king@nypost.com