BALTIMORE, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Chris Tillman struck out nine over seven efficient innings Monday and the Baltimore Orioles posted a crucial 4-2 win over the New York Yankees.
Tillman (16-5) controlled the Yanks on two runs, allowing four hits without a walk to become the first O's pitcher since Mike Mussina in 1999 to notch a 16th victory.
Tommy Hunter tossed scoreless eighth inning and Jim Johnson closed out the win with his 43rd save as Baltimore took the first of a four-game series against division rival and fellow American League wild card contender New York.
Nick Markakis went 3-for-4 with an RBI while Manny Machado, Adam Jones and J.J. Hardy drove in a run for the Orioles, who pulled to with 1 1/2 games of idle Tampa Bay for the final AL wild card slot.
CC Sabathia (13-12) was reached for four runs (three earned) on seven hits in a 7 1/3-inning effort for the Yankees, who fell three games off the wild card pace.
Alex Rodriguez and Lyle Overbay each socked a solo homer for New York.
