Chicago ? When the last of the New York Yankees went down swinging, Esteban Loaiza walked out of the dugout to a standing ovation, his teammates waiting on the mound to congratulate him.

Seven months ago he was just trying to land a job, a nonroster invitee to spring training. Now he’s a 20-game winner, a milestone even some of the best pitchers never reach.

“It’s really great,” said Loaiza, who became the fifth 20-game winner in the major leagues as he led the Chicago White Sox over the New York Yankees, 9-4, Wednesday.

“I want to finish the season strong. Now that I’ve got my 20th win, I want to go for 21. I want my teammates to leave happy when they see me on the mound on Sunday. Play hard and give it the best we’ve got.”

Loaiza is Chicago’s first 20-game winner since Jack McDowell in 1993. He also joins Fernando Valenzuela and Teddy Higuera as the only Mexican-born pitchers to win 20.

While Loaiza savors his landmark victory, Mike Mussina will have to wait until next year for another shot at his. The White Sox reached Mussina for eight runs in the sixth inning, spoiling his second bid for his 200th career victory.

Jose Valentin hit a three-run homer, and Carlos Lee drove in a pair of runs in Chicago’s big inning.

“I’m fortunate to be at 199,” said Mussina (17-8), who had won his previous three decisions. “I will be 35 in a couple of months and I’m sitting at home with almost 200. I don’t feel too bad about it.”

Still, the Yankees wanted to get Mussina No. 200, especially after Hurricane Isabel washed out his first try.

Chicago's Esteban Loaiza delivers against New York. Loaiza earned his 20th win when the White Sox defeated the Yankees, 9-4, Wednesday in Chicago.

Orioles 7, Red Sox 3

Boston — Boston wasted no time squandering its first chance to clinch an AL playoff berth. Tony Batista hit a grand slam in a seven-run first inning, and Pat Hentgen pitched six strong innings for Baltimore. Boston, which missed the playoffs the last three years, clinched at least a tie for the wild card earlier in the day when Seattle lost 4-0 at Anaheim.

For the Red Sox to miss the playoffs, they would have lose their final four games, and Seattle would have to sweep a three-game series against Oakland, then beat Boston in a tiebreaker playoff.

The Red Sox get another chance to clinch tonight when Derek Lowe faces Omar Daal in the finale of the four-game series with Baltimore.

Angels 4, Mariners 0

Anaheim, Calif. — John Lackey pitched a five-hitter and rookie Tom Gregorio had a two-run single as Anaheim beat Seattle.

Lackey (10-16) struck out four and walked two in his second complete game this season. He had lost his previous three starts and five of six.

Gil Meche (15-13) pitched because Ryan Franklin had a stiff neck Wednesday morning.

Twins 3, Indians 2

Minneapolis — Michael Cuddyer hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and AL Central champion Minnesota won its 11th straight game. A day after clinching the division title, Minnesota won its team-record 13th in a row at home. The Twins’ next game at the Metrodome will be Oct. 4 — Game 3 in the first round of the playoffs.

Blue Jays 5, Devil Rays 3

Toronto — Kelvim Escobar tied a career-high with 10 strikeouts in what might have been his last start for Toronto, leading the Blue Jays past Tampa Bay. Escobar (13-9), eligible for free agency, allowed two runs, eight hits and five walks in seven innings, reaching double digits in strikeouts for the fifth time in his career.

Athletics 5, Rangers 3

Oakland, Calif. — Jose Guillen, playing with a broken bone in his left hand, hit a two-run homer and bunted home the go-ahead run to lead Oakland past Texas. Tim Hudson pitched seven solid innings as A’s manager Ken Macha rested most of his regulars. Alex Rodriguez didn’t play for the Rangers, ending his consecutive games streak at 546.