ALCS: Batlimore Orioles to start Chris Tillman in Game 1

Oct 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) pitches during the first inning in game one of the 2014 American League divisional series against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orioles will go with Chris Tillman as their Game One starter against the Royals in the American League Championship Series, which begins in Baltimore on Friday night. Kansas City will counter with James Shields, who won his only start in the Royals’ ALDS sweep of the Angels.

Tillman (13-6, 3.34 ERA in the regular season) won his only start in the ALDS, limiting the Tigers to a pair of runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five in six innings of work in the series opener. Both Tigers runs came from solo homers from Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez.

The 26-year-old right-hander has not been successful against the Royals, having gone 2-2 with a 6.51 ERA in five starts against Kansas City, although Tillman did record a 4-0 shutout against them on May 16 of this season, holding the Royals to just five hits while striking out three. The game marked the first shutout of his career in 118 career starts.

Baltimore’s opening day starter was at his best in the second half, as he won six straight decisions between August 3 and September 20 before taking the loss to the Mariners in his final regular season start on September 26.

Manager Buck Sholwalter also announced that 1B/DH Chris Davis will not be added to the Orioles’ ALCS roster. Davis, currently serving a 25-game suspension for testing positive for amphetamines, would not be eligible to play until Game Six (if necessary) of the series. Davis batted just .196 with 26 homers and 72 RBI one season after leading the majors with 53 homers and 138 RBI.

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