Tillman makes it interesting (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 02, 2011, 4:31pm

Comments

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Rays have two baserunners through five innings against Chris Tillman, both coming on walks. That's it. TIllman has thrown 80 pitches, so getting him through the ninth will be quite a challenge. But hey, he wasn't even supposed to start tonight. Kelly Shoppach swung through a 92 mph fastball to end the fifth, the 10th consecutive batter retired by Tillman. Tillman had to fight to make the club out of spring training, and it mostly happened because Justin Duchscherer went on the disabled list and the Orioles preferred to start Zach Britton at Triple-A Norfolk. So much for that plan. Tillman is technically the No. 2 starter now, with Britton taking the ball tomorrow afternoon. No way you could have predicted that one back in February. We're still scoreless heading to the sixth. James Shields has held the Orioles to two hits. Update: Chris Tillman issued his third walk in the sixth inning, but he struck out two. He's up to 101 pitches and Jeremy Accardo's warming up. Looks like he's done. Tillman no-hit the Rangers for 6 1/3 innings on July 10. I'm having flashbacks. We're still scoreless going to the top of the seventh. Rays third baseman Evan Longoria left the game with a sore left oblique.