O’s strive to reward Tillman against White Sox
While the past four months have been terrific, Baltimore’s Chris Tillman understands that his redemption story isn’t nearly done yet.
The righty’s quest for his 15th victory continues tonight, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch vs. the White Sox. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the visiting Orioles odds of -140 to prevail, whereas Chicago symbolizes a +130 underdog. The over/under run total rests at nine.
A year ago, Tillman went 11-11 with a 4.99 ERA. With mere weeks remaining in the 2016 campaign, however, he’s the American League’s co-leader in wins. The O’s have captured 19 of his 23 starts, steadily working their way toward the playoffs.
Robin Ventura’s group once had similar postseason aspirations. Those quickly faded after a miserable May, though, and now the White Sox begin August on a 1-3 note. Southpaw Carlos Rodon (2-8, 4.67 ERA) will try to stop the bleeding this evening. Still, he’s 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA in three career meetings with Baltimore.
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Clearly, Rodon’s penchant for leaving balls up in the zone could mean disaster against Buck Showalter’s lineup. The Orioles pace the majors with 163 dingers. Mark Trumbo, Manny Machado, Chris Davis and Adam Jones are already 20-homer hitters, with Pedro Alvarez (18 clouts in 237 at-bats) looming. As for Tillman, he’ll gladly keep reaping the benefits.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: ORIOLES/WHITE SOX OVER 9 RUNS