The Mets backed up closer Frank Francisco’s assessment that the Yankees are a bunch of “chickens” — on the field, anyway — by compiling an early lead and holding on to win Friday’s Subway Series game 6-4.

The Mets scored five runs in the first inning off of Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte (3-3).

Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese surrendered two runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Ike Davis hit a two-out, three-run home run in the first inning.

The Yankees scraped back with three home runs — solo blasts by Alex Rodriguez and Andruw Jones, and a two-run home run by Robinson Cano in the 8th.

Francisco, who shared his “chicken” comment with a Post reporter Thursday, got his shot at the Yankees in the ninth. And although he didn’t strike out the side, he still got the job done. The right-hander worked a scoreless inning to close out the Mets’ victory, retiring Mark Teixeira on a game-ending popup with two runners aboard for his 18th save in 21 chances.

With AP