More on the struggling offense, the AL East standings and Wilson's debut

The Orioles' offense returned to scuffling last night, one night after plating nine runs. In 17 games this month, the Orioles have scored just 55 runs or 3.2 per game.

They have scored three runs or less nine times in the last 14 games. In the Orioles' last five losses, they have scored two, two, one, one and two runs.

On May 11, the Orioles began a stretch in which they would play 17 of their next 20 games at home. They are 4-4 in this stretch that continues this afternoon at Camden Yards.

Here is something pretty remarkable and surprising: In going 4-4 since May 11, the Orioles have actually gained 2 1/2 games on first place. On May 11, they were 5 1/2 games out, and today they are three games back of first.

Since May 11, the Yankees are 2-7, the Red Sox and Rays are 5-4, and the Blue Jays are 2-8.

The American League Least?

New York and Tampa Bay are tied for first in the East at 22-19. That is the poorest first-place record of any team in baseball. The Orioles need to get their act together, but so far, no one in the East is doing much. That is the silver lining.

Meanwhile, last night's game featured the major league debut of the Orioles' 2014 minor league Pitcher of the Year, right-hander Tyler Wilson. He was activated Tuesday and pitched a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday night. He got out of a two-on, one-out jam when he got Robinson Cano to ground into a double play.

Did Wilson have some nerves while making his debut?

"It was definitely a first experience, something I've never had for a first time, but it was great," Wilson said. "Took a pitch or two to get into the zone and it was kind of delayed with the replay and everything that happened in between innings. But it was a great feeling.

"It was a very exciting time. Great to get out there and have a chance to pitch. It was disappointing we couldn't come away with a win."

Wilson showed some real poise in getting Cano to hit into the double play after allowing a pair of one-out singles.

What was he thinking when Cano stepped in the box?

"Still thinking about executing my pitch down in the zone," Wilson said. "Had an 0-1 count. Good time for a changeup and the guys made a great play up the middle to get two."

Wilson said his first few days as an Oriole have been pretty amazing.

"It's been exhilarating. The guys have been welcoming and made me feel like part of the team," he said. "(Last night) was the icing on that to actually get out there and feel like I was contributing to the game. These guys have been great since spring training and gotten to know them. Trying to enjoy it and do whatever I can to help this team."