DETROIT _ Home runs from sources expected and unexpected helped the Orioles to a big September series win Sunday, with new reserve outfielder Michael Bourn and second baseman Jonathan Schoop providing all the required scoring in a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers before an announced 33,069 at Comerica Park.
Bourn, who had just three home runs this season before an Aug. 31 trade brought him to the Orioles from the Arizona Diamondbacks, gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead in the third inning with his second home run in as many starts since the trade.
One inning later, Schoop, who has a team-high eight home runs on Sundays and is batting .356 in day games, added his 23rd of the year.
"We were able to get two runs with that home run, and then Schoop added another one on," Bourn said. "Chris (Tillman) was amazing out there, and the bullpen came down and shut it down. It was a game that you look for. I know it was a pretty big hit in that situation, but I was just trying to battle against a tough pitcher and make the most out of it."
Both home runs came off Tigers ace Justin Verlander (14-8), who made it through just five innings against the Orioles.
"It's just that they didn't score many runs," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "The guy gave up three runs. He pitched well. Our guys really made him earn everything."
Verlander's counterpart, the returning Tillman, was wobbly in the first inning after three weeks of inactivity following a shoulder issue, and battled to find his control before settling in for a sparkling return.
Tillman (16-5) allowed a run on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts over six innings, lowering his ERA to 3.68 this season. The win moves the Orioles (78-64) two games clear of Detroit (76-66) in the American League wild-card race.
"It was awesome," Tillman said. "There's nothing like it. You get kind of bored and frustrated sitting on the bench that long and not being able to help the team. It was a big series, a big win, and it's good to get out of here with the series win."
