The Baltimore Orioles earned their 71st victory of the season as they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 6-0.
In another amazing performance by Chris Tillman (7-2), he only allowed one hit over seven innings on the mounds. It is astounding how much Tillman has improved over the past season, considering how bad he was at times in the past.
Fans wanted him traded in the past; however, there’s a reason why the Orioles didn’t trade him. If the Orioles do make the playoffs, one reason for them making it will be contributions of Tillman this summer. In a season where the Orioles have done the improbable, would have imagined Tillman having such a vital role in the rotation right now? Could you imagine him starting a playoff game? It looks like now, thanks to a few changes – mainly in his delivery – that Tillman has probably finally figured out how to pitch in the majors.
Tillman flat out owned the White Sox, striking out five; he, did also did walk four guys – a little of a downer in an otherwise stunning performance.
His teammates came through at the plate as Nick Markakis got things going with a three-run double in the second inning to put Baltimore up 3-0. Lew Ford hit his second home run of the season – a solo shot – in as many days in the second inning, and Manny Machado raised the score to 5-0 with a sacrifice fly.
The Orioles were able to jump on Chicago starter Chris Sale (15-5), who only lasted four innings. He gave up four runs in his outing.
I expected the matchup with Sale to be tough on the night, but it was anything but.
Adam Jones hit his 100th career home run – and 25th of the year – a solo shot, in the seventh inning.
Brian Matusz pitched two scoreless innings to close out Tuesday’s game.
Virginia native Joe Saunders suits up for the Orioles in his first start tonight; meanwhile, Baltimore is interested in left-hander Randy Wolf – who was released from the Milwaukee Brewers recently. I’m curious why the team would want him now, considering the amount of available starters now; however, he may be used as a reliever according to reports. As we know, the Orioles need arms – quality ones – and I guess, the more, the merrier.
Once again, the attendance at Oriole Park at Camden Yards the game was terribly underwhelming – especially for a team in a pennant race.
Only 12,841 fans showed up last night.
Some members of the media have harped on the lack of attendance over the past few days at Camden Yards, and the bottom line is this: fans have every right to spend their money any way they want to.
If they want to go to games – cool; if not, whatever.
There are multiple reasons why they do not attend games and noted in the comments section of their pieces.
It is certainly bad for civic pride to see a stadium more than two-thirds empty for a team competing for a playoff spot – especially after 14 years of losing.
I see the Orioles on average of 25 to30 games as a fan and have had a season ticket of some form since 2003. It can be expensive to go to a game; however, there are times I’ve gone on the cheap, brought my own food, drinks and found parking on the streets around the park for free to save money.
I try to make it to as many games as possible with my schedule, finances and everything else that happens in life. I’m a single guy with some disposable income, but not everyone is in my shoes and a lot of families do have problems stretching out a budget.
However, I think the issue is deeper than that.
I do not think the problem with attendance is the cost of attending a game, but a serious disconnect between the franchise and its fans.
That is just my opinion.
The Orioles honestly may have to work a lot harder to win back some fans.
