O's game blog: Orioles seek their first series win since June

The Orioles have not won a series since June 26-28 against Cleveland. Remember, that series ended with shutouts in both ends of a day-night doubleheader. Since then, the Orioles have lost series against Texas, the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota and Washington.

They can end that slide if they get a victory today at Comerica Park in the third game against Detroit after splitting the first two.

Chris Tillman's eight-inning gem Saturday night lifted the Orioles to a 3-0 win and back to the .500 mark at 45-45. Tillman slowed a Detroit team averaging 5.7 runs per game this month and improved to 2-0 with an ERA of 1.40 his last four starts.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Tillman is the only Orioles pitcher since the franchise relocated to Baltimore in 1954 to allow a hit to the opposition's leadoff batter and finish at least eight innings without surrendering another hit, accomplishing the feat twice (also, September 28, 2012).

In today's series finale, Miguel Gonzalez (7-6, 4.24 ERA) makes his 17th start, facing right-hander Justin Verlander (0-2, 5.34 ERA).

In his past four starts, Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 7.53 ERA and has allowed six homers in 20 1/3 innings. In eight road starts, he is 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA.

Verlander began the year on the disabled list with a triceps injury and he missed a start June 24 with back stiffness. He has made at least 30 starts the past nine consecutive seasons.

Verlander gave up three runs in five innings in a start versus the Orioles last October in the American League Division Series. In 15 career starts, he is 9-2 with a 3.43 ERA against Baltimore.

Since returning from the DL on July 5, second baseman Jonathan Schoop is 9-for-28 (.321) with two home runs, four RBIs and a stolen base. He has hit safely in six of his eight games in that span. He recorded his fifth multi-hit game of the season and third since his return from the DL on Saturday in Detroit.