masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOne start after failing to clear the first inning, Chris Tillman has held the Cleveland Indians to one run through the sixth.

The only issue for Tillman was a lack of offensive support, but Jim Thome just belted a two-run homer off Indians right-hander Zach McAllister in the top of the seventh inning.

Orioles 2, Indians 1.

Thome has homered in back-to-back games, giving him 611 for his career.

Tillman has allowed two earned runs in three starts and 15 innings with the Orioles this season,…One start after failing to clear the first inning, Chris Tillman has held the Cleveland Indians to one run through the sixth.

The only issue for Tillman was a lack of offensive support, but Jim Thome just belted a two-run homer off Indians right-hander Zach McAllister in the top of the seventh inning.

Orioles 2, Indians 1.

Thome has homered in back-to-back games, giving him 611 for his career.

Tillman has allowed two earned runs in three starts and 15 innings with the Orioles this season, but he’s also given up eight unearned runs.

He held the Mariners to two unearned runs in 8 1/3 innings in his first outing before the early knockout in Minnesota. Only one of the seven runs was earned that night, but Tillman couldn’t limit the damage and was yanked from the game.

It’s been a different story tonight – or a similar one to his first start. He’s allowed five hits, walked one, struck out four and thrown 67 of his 98 pitches for strikes.

Manager Buck Showalter would like to get Tillman through the seventh before turning over the game to his bullpen.

Update: Tillman gave the Orioles 6 2/3 innings and their fourth straight quality start, the first time that’s happened since May 15-18. He allowed six hits, walked one and struck out four. Showalter removed him after 116 pitches, 79 for strikes.

Troy Patton got the last out to preserve the 2-1 lead, and Ryan Flaherty added to it with his second home run in two nights.

Orioles 3, Indians 1.

Do the Orioles really want to replace him at second base?

Meanwhile, Jake Arrieta has allowed one run and seven hits in six innings for Triple-A Norfolk. He’s walked two, struck out four and thrown 65 of 107 pitches for strikes.

Update II: Four straight quality starts leads to four straight wins.

Jim Johnson picked up his 29th save in the Orioles’ 3-1 victory over the Indians.

Arrieta’s final line for Norfolk: 6 1/3 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, 1 HBP. He threw 112 pitches, 67 for strikes.