Sharp Tillman encouraging for struggling rotation

ST. PETERSBURG — When the Orioles get a performance out of Chris Tillman like this one, they can almost see October from here.

No, it’s never that simple. Stuff happens. On the other hand, the O’s probably aren’t going to the postseason without Tillman being the guy he was in, say, 2014.

Virtually everything they think they can make out of this season begins with their ace having a solid comeback season. On Wednesday, Tillman offered more encouragement he’s on track to do just that.

“He was the difference in the game,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said after watching Tillman pitch 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a 3-1 victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Tillman’s fastball touched 96 mph, and he mixed in an assortment of breaking balls and changeups. He kept Tampa Bay off balance, inducing 16 swings-and-misses.

“I felt good coming in,” Tillman said. “I kind of had it from the get-go. Being able to carry it over into the game is a big part of it, and we got it going from the get-go. It was good to see.”

The Orioles won the American League East two years ago, in part because Tillman pitched 207 1/3 innings and went 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA. He wasn’t close to being that guy last season, when he had a 4.99 ERA and the O’s finished 81-81.

Since a rain-shortened Opening Day assignment, he has had three solid starts in four turns as the Orioles (12-8) have spent every day of the young season alone atop the division.

Against the Rays on Wednesday, Tillman did what an ace is supposed to do. He got deep into the game and ended a three-game losing streak. He also …

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