ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Though he was more than worthy of an All-Star selection going into the break, Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman wasn't selected to participate in this week's midsummer classic in San Diego.
Tillman took the snub in stride, saying he was more interested in greater rewards, such as getting the Orioles to the postseason and beyond. And in his first start coming out of the break Saturday, he was as steady as he was throughout the first half.
The Orioles ace won for the 12th time in his past 13 decisions, holding the struggling Tampa Bay Rays to one run over seven innings in a 2-1 win in front of an announced crowd of 18,638 at Tropicana Field.
The Orioles (53-36), who have won six of their past seven games, are 17-3 in games that Tillman starts this season. Tillman is also 6-0 against American League East opponents, and the Orioles have won all nine of his starts versus division competition.
With the win, the Orioles are 17 games above .500, tying their season high.
Tillman (13-2) had his third straight start of seven innings and one run allowed. He had a 1.29 ERA over his past three starts.
The Orioles didn't need much offense against a Tampa Bay team that has lost 24 of their past 27 games, but won a rare low-scoring game. The Orioles have won just 10 of 32 games in which they've scored three runs or fewer.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy hit his third homer of the season _ a two-run blast off Rays starter Matt Moore _ in the second inning.
The Rays' only run off Tillman came in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Steven Souza, Jr., who had two of Tampa Bay's four hits against Tillman.
Brad Brach tossed a scoreless eighth and closer Zach Britton improved to 29-for-29 in save attempts this season following a perfect ninth.
