Viola Wins No. 20 on Attempt No. 3

The third time was the charm for Frank Viola.

The Minnesota Twins’ left-hander became the first pitcher in the major leagues to win 20 games this season when he beat the Texas Rangers, 10-1, Wednesday night at Arlington, Tex.

Viola, who lost one-run decisions in his previous two bids to reach 20, yielded five hits and an unearned run in seven innings.

Viola, 28, the World Series’ most valuable player last fall, had won 18 games twice but never 20.

Kirby Puckett gave Viola all the offensive support he needed, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs as the Twins stayed nine games behind the Oakland Athletics in the American League West.