Ryder Cup 2012 live results: Mickelson/Bradley continue their Friday reign with 2&1 victory over McIlroy/McDowell

Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley defeated arguably Europe's finest team of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, 2&1, Friday at the Ryder Cup to give the United States a 4-2 lead with two matches left to play on the day.

Mickelson and Bradley got their high-five frenzy started early by winning the first three holes. The duo halved holes 4 and 5 with McIlory and McDowell before Europe got their first point of this match play by taking Hole 6.

Mickelson/Bradley made birdie on the seventh and eighth to extend their lead to 4-up, but that was quickly cut to 3-up with the two Americans slipping up on the ninth.

There was no changing of the guard through holes 10-13 with Bradley/Mickelson missing some major opportunities to extend their lead. Bradley had a shot at an eagle on the 10th but couldn't come through, while Mickelson faltered on the green following an incredible shot from the trees on the 12th.

Mickelson/Bradley stumbled on the 14th with McIlroy out-playing Bradley from the fringe to tap in a conceded birdie and cut the lead to 2-up. But on the 17th, the Americans ended it when Mickelson got within two feet of the par-3 and McIlroy/McDowell conceded the putt.

Mickelson/Bradley were also the first winners at the 2012 Ryder Cup earlier in the day, defeating Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, 4&3, to hand the two their first loss ever in foursomes.

This win was the sixth fourball victory of Mickelson's career. The veteran lefty is now behind only Arnold Palmer and Lanny Wadkins by one win for the most victories from an American in Ryder Cup history. Friday also marked the first time that Mickelson won two matches in one day at the Ryder Cup.