Tonight's pitchers: Tillman vs. Verlander

RHP Chris Tillman (0-0, 5.79) tonight makes his second career Major League start. Wednesday vs. Kansas City in his big league debut, Tillman gave up seven hits and three runs over 4 2/3 innings. He walked one with two strikeouts and threw 93 pitches. A late O's rally led to a 7-3 win and took Tillman off the hook for a loss. He gave up three solo homers to KC after allowing just one homer in his last six Triple-A starts. The 21-year-old right-hander was acquired by the O's from Seattle on February 8, 2008 as part of the Erik Bedard deal. At 21 years, 106 days old, Tillman became the youngest Oriole to make his Major League debut since Hayden Penn did so at 20 years, 228 days old on May 28, 2005. Tillman has had two excellent years pitching in the O's farm system and is among the best pitching prospects in all of baseball. This season with Triple-A Norfolk, he went 8-6, 2.70 in 18 starts. In 96 2/3 innings he allowed 85 hits with 26 walks and 99 strikeouts. He allowed 2ER or less in 13 of 18 starts and one earned or less in eight starts. He has pitched without allowing a run in five of his starts. RHP Justin Verlander (12-5, 3.16) tonight makes his 23rd start of the year, his 10th at home and the 6th of his career vs. Baltimore. Over his last four starts, Verlander is 3-1, 1.50. He has pitched three complete games and one shutout on the season. Verlander, 2009: Home: 7-0, 1.15 in 9 starts Road: 5-5, 4.68, 13 starts Verlander is tied for second in the AL in wins, he is first in the AL in strikeouts, 4th in opponent average and 7th in ERA and innings. Right-handed batters hit just .221 against him and lefties bat .243. Detroit is 14-8 in his starts this season. Verlander has fanned 172 in 145 1/3 innings this year. The number two overall pick in the 2004 draft, Verlander is 58-39, 3.92 in 119 career starts. Verlander vs. Baltimore: 2009: 1-0, 4.50 (6IP, 9H, 3R-ER, 1B, 5K on May 30) Career: 4-0, 1.85 in five starts (34IP, 26H, 7ER, 13B, 23K) Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff have just five hits in 43 combined at bats vs. Verlander with 0 homers or RBI.