It proved to be enough support for Tillman despite a late scare against Baltimore's bullpen. The righty is now tied with Boston's Rick Porcello for the second-most wins in the American League, trailing only Toronto's J.A. Happ (16). Tillman allowed a two-run homer to Ryon Healy in the fifth, but was otherwise solid, holding Oakland to five hits over seven innings while striking out four. It was the seventh straight quality start by a Baltimore starter on the team's 10-game road trip.
Andrew Triggs, a converted reliever making his second start of the season, was charged with his first loss of the season. He was the A's eighth different starter in their last eight games, the first time that's occurred since 1961. Triggs ran into trouble in the fourth inning, as Baltimore sent seven batters to the plate in a four-hit, three-run frame.
Oakland's bullpen didn't fare much better, allowing six runs in five innings of relief, including Adam Jones' 23rd home run of the season in the seventh inning. Baltimore led 9-2 until the A's narrowed the deficit in a four-run eighth inning, led by a Max Muncy homer and a two-run double by Yonder Alonso.
Baltimore arrived in Oakland in first place of the American League East, but lost five of its last seven games prior to Thursday's win, and now trails the Blue Jays by a half-game.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Trumbo slam: Trumbo entered Thursday hitless in his previous 13 at-bats. He also was batting .115 in his last 16 games. He overcame those struggles Thursday, hitting an RBI single to open the scoring in the fourth while recording his first multi-hit performance since July 22.
A's pitching magic runs out: Baltimore struggled mightily through three games in this series, no matter who the A's started. Kendall Graveman was strong Monday; another reliever-turned-starter, Zach Neal, managed 5 1/3 innings Tuesday; and Ross Detwiler threw eight shutout innings Wednesday in his first Major League start in more than a year. Triggs opened with three scoreless innings, appearing to embark on yet another unlikely strong performance, before stumbling in the fourth.
Mark Chiarelli is a reporter for MLB.com based in the Bay Area and covered the A's on Thursday.
Justin Wise is a reporter for MLB.com based in the Bay Area and covered the Orioles on Thursday.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
O's bust out in Oakland, hold on for Tillman's 15th
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