Tillman tries to keep streak alive

CHICAGO - Chris Tillman held the Blue Jays to three hits over eight innings in his third start of the season back on April 11. If he can duplicate that figure tonight, he'll be keeping in step with the rest of the rotation.

The Orioles have allowed three hits or fewer in back-to-back games for the first time since July 22-24, 2007, according to the club's PR staff. Their most recent longer streak was three in a row on July 17-19, 1992 in Texas, which also is the club road record.

The overall franchise record is four straight games on Sept. 2-6, 1974.

Ross Grimsley started the streak with a 1-0 win over Luis Tiant and the Red Sox. Jim Palmer beat the Red Sox 6-0, and the Orioles swept a doubleheader against the Indians, with Mike Cuellar (1-0) and Dave McNalley (2-0) earning the wins.

How's that for pitching dominance?

The Orioles have gone 70 straight games since May 31 without losing three in a row, the longest stretch in baseball this season, according to STATS.

In their last 15 road games since July 21, the Orioles have compiled a 10-5 record and a 2.42 ERA. Since May 31, they're tied with the Rays for the best road record in baseball at 22-11 (.667).

Nelson Cruz hit his 32nd home run last night and is now one shy of his career high set in 2009.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy turns 32 years old today.

Tweet of the day so far belongs to Adam Jones (@SimplyAJ10):

The Bearded Caveman in RF for the Os is legit. #StayHungry

-- 10 (@SimplyAJ10) August 19, 2014

Then again, there probably weren't many clean-shaven cavemen, but you get the point. Nick Markakis continues to receive plaudits for his amazing catch last night.