Tillman vs. Iwakuma in series finale

Now that the Orioles' streak of one-run games has ended at seven, they can concentrate on increasing their lead in the American League East. The important stuff. They must be tired of playing the American League West. Not that they're thrilled with Monday's makeup game in D.C., or how they're forced to play at night before boarding their flight to Toronto. Would an afternoon game have killed the Nats? tillman-sidebar-whitenew.jpgAnyway, Chris Tillman will try to win his second home game this afternoon. He's 1-5 despite a 3.10 ERA in 61 innings. The Orioles are 15-21 in day games and 7-10 on Sundays, including 2-6 at Camden Yards. Sounds bad, right? Tillman is 5-0 with 2.45 ERA in five career starts against the Mariners, and 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA when facing them at home. Sounds good, right. Forces clashing of good and evil. Who will win? Tillman must beware of Robinson Cano, who's 11-for-25 (.440) with a double, two home runs and eight RBIs against him. Kendrys Morales is 4-for-6 (.667) with a double. The Orioles face Hisashi Iwakuma for the second time in 10 days. He took the loss on July 24 after allowing four runs over seven innings. Iwakuma is 5-0 with a 3.09 ERA in seven road starts this season. He was 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 16 starts away from home in 2013. Chris Davis will return to the lineup today, and he's 3-for-5 (.600) with a double, home run and three RBIs vs. Iwakuma. Delmon Young should stay in the lineup. He's 4-for-8 with a double, two home runs and four RBIs. I mentioned Jim Johnson yesterday and may as well do it again. I fully expect the Orioles to sign him to a minor league deal. It already seems to be in the works - as much as allowed at this juncture. The Orioles could have him throw in Sarasota, where he lives, and eventually move him up. It's possible that they'd assign him to Double-A Bowie, keeping him closer to Camden Yards. If there's a mechanical issue, Scott McGregor might be able to fix it. Maybe Johnson just needs some fresh eyes. Johnson could be called up in September when rosters expand. Same with left-hander Joe Saunders, who reports to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday. The Orioles aren't clearing room in the bullpen this month. It's low risk, with the potential for a high reward.



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