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NEW YORK -- Florida's Josh Beckett will start Game 6 of the World Series on three days' rest against the New York Yankees, a bit of a gamble by Marlins manager Jack McKeon.

"We're going to go with the guys who are pitching the best for us," McKeon said Friday. "You talk two days, three days, it's in the mind."

Carl Pavano will pitch a seventh game on short rest for the Marlins if the Series goes the full length.

Andy Pettitte, who beat Mark Redman in Game 2, starts Game 6 Saturday night for New York. If the Yankees win, Mike Mussina will pitch the seventh game for New York on Sunday.

By moving up Beckett and Pavano, McKeon bypassed Redman.

Beckett allowed just three hits Tuesday in Game 3 -- all to Derek Jeter -- but gave up two runs and took the loss, throwing 108 pitches in the Florida's 6-1 defeat.

"They asked me if I was all right. I said, yeah, I'm fine,' " Beckett said. "I'm looking forward to it. A day's less rest, it's easier to stay sharp."

Pavano threw 115 pitches Wednesday and left with a 3-1 lead, but he didn't get a decision in Florida's 4-3, 12-inning win in Game 4.

Brad Penny beat the Yankees in Games 1 and 5. After Penny lost the opener, he was followed in Game 2 by Redman, who pitched poorly, allowing four runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Beckett pitched four innings of relief in Game 7 of the NL championship series on two days' rest following a two-hit shutout and he allowed one hit -- a home run by Troy O'Leary.

McKeon said he didn't look at past Series results before making his decision.

"Historically doesn't mean a thing when you're playing the Yankees," he said.

Redman had said Thursday he wouldn't mind getting Saturday night's start.

"I'd love to get the ball," Redman said. "However I can help, I'll do it. You always want a second chance to redeem yourself."

Two years ago, Arizona pitched Curt Schilling on three days' rest against the Yankees, and he started Games 1, 4 and 7. He won the opener and didn't get a decision in the other two starts.

Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press