Tillman gets a second chance in Kansas City

Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman is making only his second career start tonight at Kauffman Stadium, the first coming three years ago.

He can be forgiven for blocking out that memory.

Tillman allowed eight runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings, and his ERA ballooned to 7.16. Doubts remained whether he would become an established major leaguer.

It was so long ago, Josh Rupe relieved him in the fourth and Melky Cabrera homered off Clay Rapada in the eighth.

Tillman is making his ninth start of the season tonight. He's 3-0 with a 5.04 ERA in four road starts.

In four career starts against the Royals, Tillman is 1-2 and has allowed 20 earned runs in 20 innings for a 9.00 ERA. His lone win came on May 8, 2013 when he gave up three earned runs in six innings.

Alex Gordon is 3-for-9 with two home runs against Tillman. Billy Butler is 2-for-10 with a double and home run, and Mike Moustakas is 3-for-6 with a home run.

Though he's allowed three earned runs in each of his last three starts, Tillman has failed to complete six innings in four of his last five outings.

Former Oriole Jeremy Guthrie, who starts tonight for the Royals, leads the majors with 11 home runs allowed in 50 2/3 innings.

The Orioles are tied for 16th in the majors with 34 home runs after ranking first with 212 last season.

Chris Davis is 1-for-16 with a home run lifetime against Guthrie. He's 3-for-18 with a double, RBI and eight strikeouts since coming off the disabled list.

Nelson Cruz is 4-for-21 against Guthrie. Delmon Young is 4-for-27.

Matt Wieters is 4-for-8, but ... you know.

J.J. Hardy hasn't homered since Sept. 5, 2013. He's 2-for-11 versus Guthrie.

The Orioles have scored two runs or fewer in four of their last five games. They've scored in only four innings over the past four games.