BALTIMORE, Maryland (Reuters) - CC Sabathia became the first pitcher to win 20 games this season as the New York Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles 11-3 on Saturday.
The victory at Camden Yards ensured the Yankees maintained their half-game lead in the American League East over the Tampa Bay Rays, who beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 in 10 innings.
Sabathia gave up three runs on seven hits and one walk in seven innings while striking out four. It is the first time he has won 20 games in a season.
"I'm more excited that we won the game and people can stop asking me about it," Sabathia said. "Right now, we're in the middle of this thing, still trying to win a championship and trying to win a division.
"Maybe after the season, I can sit back and enjoy it more."
Sabathia, however, did earn some praise from his manager Joe Girardi.
"I'm really happy for him," Girardi said.
"He has been our ace all year, and really since he got here. To get to 20 wins, it's really quite an accomplishment."
The Yankees pounded out 13 hits and scored at least one run in seven of the nine innings. Curtis Granderson hit a three-run home run and Robinson Cano hit a two-run blast, while five Yankees scored two runs each.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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