masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Chris Tillman worked six innings today in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park. Facing a collection of Red Sox Triple-A hitters, Tillman allowed one earned run and seven hits, and struck out four.

Tillman faced extra hitters in two innings, allowing him to increase his pitch count and record 22 outs.

Tillman and Zach Britton, who’s allowed one run and five hits to the Yankees over four innings, are trying to avoid assignments to Triple-A Norfolk. Britton has thrown 67…SARASOTA, Fla. – Chris Tillman worked six innings today in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park. Facing a collection of Red Sox Triple-A hitters, Tillman allowed one earned run and seven hits, and struck out four.

Tillman faced extra hitters in two innings, allowing him to increase his pitch count and record 22 outs.

Tillman and Zach Britton, who’s allowed one run and five hits to the Yankees over four innings, are trying to avoid assignments to Triple-A Norfolk. Britton has thrown 67 pitches, 42 for strikes.

J.J. Hardy homered off Joba Chamberlain in the fourth inning. Orioles 6, Yankees 1.

Vladimir Guerrero just carried his bats to the clubhouse, so Derrek Lee will replace him in the lineup as the designated hitter.

Mark Reynolds has struck out twice today, raising his spring total to 18 in 47 at-bats. Brian Roberts is 1-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Update: Britton goes five innings today and allows one run and six hits, walks none, strikes out five and hits a batter. He threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.

Britton is back out for the sixth, which is a bit of a surprise given his pitch count.

Derrek Lee pinch-hit for Vladimir Guerrero in the fifth and grounded to short on 0-2 pitch from Mark Prior.

Update II: Britton faced one batter in the sixth and issued his only walk. That’s 90 pitches, 52 strikes.