BOSTON (AP) — Chris Tillman isn’t concerned about his steadily increasing win total or about further establishing himself as the ace of the Orioles staff.

Tillman pitched seven strong innings to earn his 15th victory of the season, and Baltimore beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Thursday night to avoid a threegame sweep. The victory helped the Orioles pull within 3.5 games of Oakland in the race for the second AL wildcard spot.

Manny Machado had two hits for the Orioles, including a two-run double that gave them the lead for good in the third inning. Danny Valencia had two doubles and Adam Jones also had a pair of hits for Baltimore, which opens a three-game series with the Yankees in New York on Friday.

Jim Johnson pitched the ninth for his AL-leading 41st save.

Tillman (15-4), who had never won more than nine games in a season before this year, allowed two runs and six hits while striking out eight. Only Detroit’s Max Scherzer, who has won 19 games, has more major league victories this season.

Jon Lester (12-8) pitched six innings for Boston, allowing three runs and five hits. Daniel Nava had three hits and Shane Victorino finished with two.

The Red Sox remained 2.5 games ahead of Tampa Bay in the A.L. East.

• Who: Chicago White Sox
at Boston Red Sox.
• Where: Fenway Park.
• When: 7:10 p.m. tonight.
• Starting pitchers: Chicgo
(Hector Santiago 4-7) vs.
Boston (Ryan Dempster 6-
9).
• TV: NESN.