On September 18, 2010 — CC Sabathia becomes the major leagues’ first 20-game winner this year in the Yankees’ 11 – 3 pasting of the Orioles. Sabathia has twice before finished a season with 19 wins, but it is the first time he reaches the magic number. However, the Yankees fail to put some distance between themselves and Tampa Bay, as the Rays rally in the 9th to tie the game, then score the winning run on a throwing error as they defeat the Angels, 4 – 3, to remain a half-game behind the Bronx Bombers.

The left-hander, who leads both leagues in victories, is the fourth Yankee since 2000 to reach the plateau, adding his name to a list that includes Roger Clemens (2001), Andy Pettitte (2003), and Mike Mussina (2008).