NEW YORK _ When shortstop J.J. Hardy gave the Orioles a first-inning lead Thursday with a two-out, two-run single off New York Yankees starter CC Sabathia, it was his club's first lead in their four-game series at Yankee Stadium.
The Orioles offense hasn't given its pitching much to work with of late, scoring just six runs in the team's five games heading into Thursday. They entered the day just 3-for-33 with runners in scoring position since the All-Star break, so they were in need of an offensive boost.
Right-hander Chris Tillman did the rest, notching his fourth straight start of seven innings and one run allowed, as the Orioles (54-40) ended their four-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory and avoided a four-game sweep at the hand of the Yankees.
"First inning obviously if we can get a couple runs, it's good," Hardy said. " ... It's not like we scored a bunch of runs after that. It was just nice to get out in front."
Orioles manager Buck Showalter was back in the dugout after missing Wednesday's game with a flu bug that has infiltrated the Orioles clubhouse. His job was made easier by one of the team's most complete games since the break.
"I was real smart with Chris Tillman pitching," Showalter deadpanned. "I know I'm living right. ... We were in good hands. [There are] a lot tougher things going on in this world than me. I can tell you that."
The Orioles were without center fielder Adam Jones (back spasms), catcher Matt Wieters (sprained right foot) and outfielder Joey Rickard (sprained right thumb), while first baseman Chris Davis and third baseman Manny Machado were playing their first games back after being ill.
"[We're taking] a lot of precautions," Tillman said. "I've been washing my hands like 10 times a day. This deal, it isn't a good deal. It's bad. I've seen it and it doesn't look that fun. It's putting some people on their butts, so I'm trying to stay away from it as much as I can."
