Syracuse tops the Tides, 8-5

Tim Bascom relies on his command of the strike zone. His fastball tops in the low 90s, so he cannot overpower hitters or expect a strikeout in critical situations. Bascom's success depends almost entirely on his ability to nip the corners and keep batters off balance. He recognizes as much, and his control rarely betrays him.

That's why his recent struggles have left him perplexed. Bascom walked the first three hitters he faced Tuesday and could not escape the second inning in an 8-5 Tides loss to Syracuse.

"I don't think I've ever done that," Bascom said of the consecutive walks. "Right now it's more mental for me. I have to build up some confidence and get rolling. I need to have a couple good innings in a row and build on that."

 Bascom has not won since June 27 and has now lost his last three starts. In July, he has surrendered 18 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings (12.79 ERA). Opponents are hitting .383 against him during that span.

Bascom worked 1 2/3 innings Tuesday, surrendering six earned runs. The rocky outing deflated the Tides and took them out of the game almost instantly. "When he's not throwing strikes, he's going to really be in trouble," interim manager Bobby Dickerson said.

 No BP, no problem

Inclement weather and pregame festivities have canceled batting practice for the past five days, but that doesn't seem to bother Michael Aubrey one bit.

He continued his torrid hitting Tuesday, providing a rare bright spot for the Tides. He hit a three-run home run - his fifth homer in five days - to cut the deficit to 7-4 in the seventh. Aubrey picked up his fourth RBI with a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

"I think I'm going to take tomorrow off whether it rains or shines," Aubrey said.

Back to the farm

The Orioles optioned starting pitcher Chris Tillman back to Norfolk on Tuesday, marking his third stint with the Tides this season. The announcement comes one day after Tillman surrendered eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in a loss to Tampa Bay. Dickerson said Tillman will likely pitch Saturday at Lehigh Valley.

Tillman has established himself among the top pitchers in the International League, but the big leagues have presented a challenge.

"The guys we want, and the guy we believe Tillman is, those are the guys who learn from it," Dickerson said about Tillman's demotion. "... He's a tough make-up guy, a tough cookie, so he's taking it as a learning experience."

More roster notes

Reliever Mike Gonzalez, who made two rehab appearances, may join the Orioles by Thursday. Third baseman Josh Bell is a top candidate to come to the Tides. ... First baseman Brandon Snyder, out since June 17 with a back injury, went 2 for 5 with a home run and a double for Class-A Aberdeen on Tuesday. Dickerson said he may return during Norfolk's upcoming road trip.