masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgTonight’s attendance: 16,451.

If you consider that Chris Tillman allowed one earned run in six innings, it sounds like he cruised through tonight’s start against the Yankees.

No so fast.

Tillman littered the bases with runners and the Orioles committed three errors – including one by Tillman on an errant pickoff throw. The Yankees lead, 3-2, and Jason Berken is entering the game in relief.

Tillman allowed seven hits, walked three and struck out one. He threw 106 pitches, 58 for…Tonight’s attendance: 16,451.

If you consider that Chris Tillman allowed one earned run in six innings, it sounds like he cruised through tonight’s start against the Yankees.

No so fast.

Tillman littered the bases with runners and the Orioles committed three errors – including one by Tillman on an errant pickoff throw. The Yankees lead, 3-2, and Jason Berken is entering the game in relief.

Tillman allowed seven hits, walked three and struck out one. He threw 106 pitches, 58 for strikes.

Much better than his last outing. He showed a lot of grit and determination.

Everything went wrong in his final inning. Julio Lugo and Cesar Izturis committed errors. Tillman gave up back-to-back singles to Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Orioles failed to turn a double play.

The numbers will say that Tillman turned in a quality start, but he won’t get a victory. He’ll have to hope for a no-decision and gain some satisfaction in lowering his ERA from 7.71 to 4.85.

Update: The Orioles almost tied the game in the seventh when Nick Markakis slapped a grounder to the right side that was headed for right field. Cano, always a thorn in the Orioles’ side, made a diving stop and forced Cesar Izturis to hold at third base. Markakis reached on an infield hit, but he didn’t get the all-important RBI.

Ty Wigginton walked with two outs to load the bases, but Luke Scott struck out on a 1-2 slider.

Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli sprung out of his crouch and pumped his fist. Settle down, dude.

Down on the farm, Triple-A Norfolk’s Rhyne Hughes has tripled and homered. Armando Gabino held Gwinnett to one run over 5 2/3 innings, with no walks and seven strikeouts. His ERA stands at 2.56.

Shortstop Greg Miclat hit his first home run for Single-A Frederick. Ryan O’Shea blanked Potomac on three hits over six innings.