Tonight's pitchers: Tillman vs. Niemann

RHP Chris Tillman (1-0, 4.88) tonight makes his 5th Major League start of this season, his 3rd on the road and the 1st of his career vs. Tampa. Tillman's first two starts: 6.75 ERA (8ER in 10 2/3IP) Tillman's last two starts: 3.38 ERA (5ER in 13 1/3IP) Right-handed batters are hitting .327 off Tillman while lefties are batting just .214. The O's are 2-2 in his four starts. Tillman has allowed nine of his 13 runs in the first two innings of his starts. In two road starts, he is 0-0, 4.97. Tillman picked up his first Major League win in Friday's 16-6 win over the Angels. In 6 2/3 innings, he gave up three earned runs and seven hits. In 18 starts this year for Triple-A Norfolk, Tillman went 8-6, 2.70. At the time of his callup he was 4th in the International League in strikeouts and 7th in ERA. The 21-year-old righty was drafted in round two by Seattle in 2006. RHP Jeff Niemann (10-5, 3.86) tonight will make his 22nd start of the season, his 8th at home and his 3rd this season vs. the Orioles. The 26-year-old rookie began the year as the Rays number five starter, but now leads the staff in wins and is 2nd in ERA. He is tied with Rick Porcello and Ricky Romero for the lead in wins among AL rookies. Niemann did not get a decision last Wednesday at Los Angeles. He gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings. Over his last 15 starts, Niemann is 8-2, 3.13. Niemann has two shutouts on the year, June 3rd vs. Kansas City and July 10th vs. Oakland. Niemann receives 6.86 runs of support per every nine innings, which is the best run support in the AL. The Rays are 14-7 when he starts. Niemann vs. the Birds: 2009: 1-1, 6.97, two starts (8ER in 10 1/3IP) Career: 3-1, 5.30, 4 games, 3 starts (11ER in 18 2/3IP)