Tillman's pitch execution lacking against Yanks

NEW YORK -- Orioles starter Chris Tillman, for the fourth time in six starts this season, was unable to go six innings in Baltimore's 4-3 loss to the Yankees on Thursday night.

"Physically, felt good. Mechanically, felt pretty good, too. It all goes back to pitch execution," said Tillman of the 5 2/3-inning outing in which he surrendered four runs on 10 hits. "Got ahead, got deep in the count, got to have a feel for the hitter, got to execute a pitch, and multiple times tonight, I didn't."

Tillman received stellar defensive plays behind him from right fielder Delmon Young -- who robbed a potential homer hit by Alex Rodriguez in the first inning -- and Steve Pearce at second base to help keep the score close.

Video: BAL@NYY: Pearce dives, takes a hit away from Ellsbury

"There were five or six plays," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Just having J.J. [Hardy] here brings such a presence. That's why we were in that ballgame."

Tillman, who gave up two runs in the first inning, has a 6.25 ERA and has struggled with consistency in the season's first half.

Asked if he felt like the defense saved him from an even shorter stint, Tillman said: "No, I feel like I just got to make pitches, and I didn't. I've got to make them. I got in some good counts to make pitches. I've got to keep doing the same thing and execute some more pitches."