Orioles name Tillman starter for Game 1 of ALDS
Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter has named his starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS):
Chris Tillman will start Game 1 for the Orioles, Buck announced. Gm2 will depend on matchup more, probably won't announce til clear opponent
— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) September 23, 2014
The start will mark the postseason debut for the 26-year-old, who didn't appear in the 2012 ALDS when the Orioles lost in five games to the New York Yankees.
Tillman has enjoyed a second-straight successful season in Baltimore. In 33 starts, the right-hander owns a 13-5 record with a 3.26 ERA, while striking out 145 in 201 1/3 innings.
''He's pitched 200 innings two years in a row. That's quite an accomplishment, physically alone, and then you have to pitch well to do that well,'' Showalter told the Baltimore Sun. ''He's a pro. He's turned into a guy that I'm real proud of the way he goes about his business. It's not always perfection, but you feel good about him giving you a chance to win.''
Baltimore clinched home-field advantage for the ALDS on Sunday, a fact that should bode well for Tillman:
| Venue | IP | W-L | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 113.1 | 5-5 | 2.54 | 1.13 |
| Road | 88 | 8-0 | 4.19 | 1.30 |