Baltimore Orioles: Tillman’s 2nd Start is an Ace
By Nate Wardle
Apr 6, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Chris Tillman(30) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Game 6: Baltimore Orioles 3 Detroit Tigers 1 F
W: Chris Tillman (1-0)
L: Justin Verlander (0-1)
S: Tommy Hunter (2)
MVP: Chris Tillman – 8 1/3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB and 5 SOs
I missed yesterday due to a 50th birthday party for my dad, which was also my birthday. However, the Orioles made a 7-1 game very close, almost coming all the way back before leaving two on and losing 7-6. But, I had a chance to watch much of Sunday’s game, a true pitcher’s duel between two aces. Yes, I called Chris Tillman an ace.
The GOOD: Chris Tillman. Tilly has the stuff to be an ace, but isn’t always very economical with his pitches. But against the Tigers, Tillman was on. He went 8 1/3, leaving up 5 hits, 1 run, 1 BB and 5 SOs. A great day for Tillman. The Orioles defense was also spectacular, particularly in the eighth inning where David Lough and Nick Markakis made beautiful catches. It was good to see Ryan Flaherty get his first hit of the season, in fact only David Lough and Jonathan Schoop were hitless. Tommy Hunter looked very good finishing out the game, the slider for the second out in the 9th was a thing of beauty!
The BAD: Jonathan Schoop looks good in the field, but certainly could use some more at-bats in the minors before he is ready to be an everyday starter. Torii Hunter continues to mash against the Orioles, although today’s damage was limited to a solo HR.
What’s NEXT: Game 7: Baltimore Orioles ( – ) vs. New York Yankees (2-3, Game 6 In Progress) 1:05 p.m. Monday. The Orioles head to the Bronx to play a team that is struggling to score runs so far, and has received decent, but not great pitching. After playing arguably the two best teams in the AL, it should be a good measurement of the O’s at this point in the season.