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Saunders makes O's debut versus White Sox

Aug 29, 2012 - 2:11 PM (Sports Network) - Joe Saunders makes his Baltimore debut on Wednesday when the Orioles continue a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards.

Saunders was acquired from Arizona on Sunday for reliever Matt Lindstrom and a player to be named later. The left-hander had been 6-10 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 starts for Arizona this year and was banged around for nine runs in his last start back on Aug. 20.

Over eight seasons with the Angels (2005-10) and Diamondbacks (2010-12), though, Saunders owns a 75-62 record with a 4.17 ERA in 182 starts.

"We just like his experience," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said. "I think he complements our starting rotation, which has three rookies."

Saunders is 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA in eight career starts against the White Sox.

Baltimore continued to get the job done on Tuesday, as Chris Tillman tossed seven scoreless innings in the Orioles' 6-0 win.

Tillman (7-2) allowed just one hit and fanned five while walking four to pick up his second straight win. Brian Matusz gave up one hit over the final two innings.

"Every game is big," Tillman said. "To score those runs off the kind of pitcher they had out there tonight was impressive."

Nick Markakis banged a three-run double, while Adam Jones hit his 100th career home run. Lew Ford also homered in the Orioles' fourth consecutive victory, as they remained 3 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East.

Baltimore, which hasn't reached the postseason since 1997, is still tied with Oakland for the wild card lead.

Chris Sale (15-5) was knocked around for four runs on six hits and three walks in just four innings, as the AL Central leaders lost for the second straight night on the heels of a six-game winning streak. The White Sox are still two games ahead of Detroit for the division lead.

Getting the call for Chicago on Wednesday will be righty Dylan Axelrod, who was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte after Gavin Floyd was placed on the disabled list.

Axelrod has appeared in 10 games (6 starts) for the White Sox this season and is 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA. This will be his first start since back on July 16 in Boston when he matched a career-high with eight strikeouts in a no-decision.

"I'm looking forward to another opportunity," Axelrod said. "I know we're in the thick of it here in the race. I (want to) try to contribute."

Baltimore is 5-1 this season against the White Sox.