(My Sportsbook) - Trying to hold on to first place in the very tough American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays will host the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon in the second matchup of a three-game series at Rogers Centre.

Toronto enters today's clash with a 16-9 record and a one-game edge on Boston for first place. For the Blue Jays to remain on top of the division, they will need a strong showing from Robert Ray, who will be making his major league debut this afternoon.

Due to various injuries and other roster issues, the Blue Jays have had to rush Ray through the system. The right-hander made one start at Class A Dunedin before being pushed through to the team's AAA squad in Las Vegas.

In his lone start for Las Vegas, the 25-year old lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing no runs while striking out three batters en route to a no decision.

As for the O's, they are not sending an experienced hurler to the mound this afternoon either, as Brad Bergesen will be making just his third start in the majors.

Bergesen's big-league debut took place on April 21, when the right-hander tossed 5 2/3 innings and allowing one run in leading Baltimore to a 10-3 win over Chicago. Unfortunately the 24-year-old had a much tougher time in his latest start, allowing five runs on 10 hits -- three of which were home runs -- in only four innings of work against Texas. However, despite that poor showing, the Orioles were able to fight back for an 8-5 victory.

In Friday's series opener, Kevin Millar went 2-for-5 with a double, three runs batted in and a run scored as the Blue Jays downed the Orioles, 8-4.

Adam Lind chipped in two hits, including a solo homer, two RBI and a run scored for Toronto, which came into the contest losers of three of four at Kansas City. Rod Barajas had three hits and two RBI in the win.

Roy Halladay (5-1) earned the victory after tossing eight solid innings. The Blue Jays ace allowed four runs -- three earned -- on 10 hits, walking one and striking out six.

Nick Markakis hit a two-run homer for the Orioles, who have lost four straight and six of their last seven outings. He now has a 17-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in 32 consecutive games. Aubrey Huff had a 2-for-4 effort with an RBI for Baltimore, while Adam Jones had a pair of hits and runs scored.

Mark Hendrickson (1-4) was saddled with the loss after being tagged for four runs on nine hits over five-plus innings of work.

Dating back to the beginning of last season, the Blue Jays have posted a 13-6 record against Baltimore, including a 7-3 mark at the Rogers Centre.