masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHow many innings will Orioles starter Chris Tillman work tonight in Game 2 of a doubleheader?

Tillman threw 49 pitches in the top of the first, issuing two-out bases-loaded walks to Neil Walker and Starling Marte.

The Pirates fouled off 16 pitches in the inning. Gaby Sanchez worked Tillman for 13 pitches before popping up to second base for the second out.

Just as it appeared that Tillman might get away without allowing a run – a major accomplishment – he lost the plate against Walker and…How many innings will Orioles starter Chris Tillman work tonight in Game 2 of a doubleheader?

Tillman threw 49 pitches in the top of the first, issuing two-out bases-loaded walks to Neil Walker and Starling Marte.

The Pirates fouled off 16 pitches in the inning. Gaby Sanchez worked Tillman for 13 pitches before popping up to second base for the second out.

Just as it appeared that Tillman might get away without allowing a run – a major accomplishment – he lost the plate against Walker and Marte.

Marte walked on four pitches, none of them close to the strike zone.

Tillman gave up two hits, walked three batters and struck out two. All in an inning’s work. He also received a visit from pitching coach Dave Wallace.

Left-hander Troy Patton began to warm in the bullpen, but he sat down after Clint Barmes struck out on three pitches.

Tillman walked one batter in each of his first three starts, four in Boston and two in Toronto for a total of nine before tonight.

Third baseman Manny Machado received a loud ovation when he jogged onto the field for pregame warmups and again as he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the first. The crowd stood as Machado bounced to short on the third pitch thrown by Pirates starter Brandon Cumpton.

So far, Machado has been the highlight of Game 2.