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Blue Jays look to move into second in AL East

Sep 25, 2006 - 2:55 PM Boston (83-73) at Toronto (82-73) 7:07 pm EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Despite missing the playoffs for a 13th straight season, the Toronto Blue Jays are seeking some consolation.

The Blue Jays attempt to climb into second place in the American League East Division when they host Monday's finale of a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox.

Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios drove in three runs apiece as Toronto moved within one-half game of second-place Boston with Sunday's 13-4 triumph. The Blue Jays have finished no better than third in the standings every year since winning their second World Series title in 1993.

Seeking a fifth win in its final six meetings with Boston this year, Toronto gives the ball to rookie Shaun Marcum (2-4, 5.51 ERA). The 24-year-old righthander has yet to lose at Rogers Centre, going 2-0 with a 3.11 ERA in 11 outings - six starts - here.

The Red Sox counter with knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (7-10, 4.50), who has posted a 9.72 ERA in losing both starts since returning from a stress fracture in his ribcage earlier this month. He allowed six runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings of Tuesday's 7-3 loss to Minnesota - a defeat that clinched the AL East for the archrival New York Yankees.

Wakefield is making his first start against the Blue Jays this season. In 39 lifetime appearances - 29 starts - against them, the 40-year-old righthander has gone 12-7 with a 3.86 ERA.

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hit his AL-leading 53rd home run in Sunday's defeat here. It was his 32nd blast on the road, tying the league record set by Babe Ruth in 1927.