Rays Snag Series Vs Jays; Extend AL East Lead

St. Petersburg, FL (AHN) - Edwin Jackson logged seven shutout frames, Cliff Floyd and Willy Aybar each belted homers as the Tampa Bay Rays edged the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Thursday night, extending their lead in the AL East.

Jackson (11-8), allowed one run and six hits over seven-plus innings for his sixth win in his last seven starts.

Rays designated hitter Floyd smacked a solo homer in the third followed by Aybar's own version off Jess Litsch in the sixth, giving Tampa Bay a 3-0 advantage.

The Jays bats came alive in the eighth after Alex Rios scored on Adam Lind's infield single and Rod Barajas added a two-out RBI double off reliever Grant Balfour pulling Toronto to within a point, 3-2.

Dan Wheeler notched his 10th save after tossing a perfect ninth inning for the second straight game.

Jays' starter Jesse Litsch (9-8) allowed three runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings, ending a 13-inning scoreless streak.

Tampa Bay remains on top in the American League East with a 4 ?-game advantage over second-place Boston Red Sox.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will be heading to New York for their series against the Yankees.