Tillman shoots for .500 today

The same team that won 18 of 23 games has now lost four of its last five. It's forgotten again how to score runs, going 19 consecutive innings without crossing the plate.

Enjoy the ride. Just make sure to buckle up.

Chris Tillman has a chance today to reach the .500 mark for the first time since being 2-2 on April. 23. He lost six consecutive decisions, but is 4-0 with a no-decision in his last five starts.

Tillman has three quality starts and one horrific dud in that stretch. He allowed six runs and six hits in 1 1/3 innings in Toronto.

In his last start, Tillman shut out the Indians on four hits over seven innings in Game 2 of a doubleheader. He walked none and struck out six.

Tillman is averaging 4.1 walks per nine innings, so his improved control against the Indians wasn't overlooked.

Tillman faced the White Sox last year in Chicago and allowed one run and three hits over eight innings, with one walk and nine strikeouts. He's 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two career starts at U.S. Cellular Field, allowing two runs over 13 innings.

Melky Cabrera is 7-for-22 with two doubles and a home run against Tillman. Alexei Ramirez is 4-for-9 with a home run.

Right-handers are batting .296 against Tillman this season, and left-handers are hitting .260.

Jeff Samardzija owns an 8.25 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles, with 11 earned runs (12 total) and 16 hits in 12 innings. He gave up seven earned runs (eight total) and 10 hits over five innings in an 8-2 loss on April 29 at Camden Yards.

The current Orioles are 16-for-53 (.302) against Samardzija. Manny Machado is 5-for-6 with a double and two home runs. Chris Davis is 2-for-6 with a home run. Travis Snider is 2-for-11 with a double.