Baltimore @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 23, 2019 ) Baltimore 10, Toronto 11

Anthony Alford is trying to state his case for a 2020 role, and the 25-year-old hopes to get another opportunity when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. Alford took a positive step in the opener of the three-game series when he smacked the walk-off homer in the 15th inning of Monday's 11-10 victory.

Alford's first career blast - in at-bat No. 48 over three seasons - was the capper of a marathon contest that featured 10 homers, five from each side. "I think everybody knows the situation," Alford said in a postgame television interview of the battle he is facing. "We have a lot of outfielders up here and guys have to get playing time, I totally understand. I just go out there and try to have fun and help the team whenever I can." Baltimore's Chris Davis slugged his 42nd career blast against the Blue Jays - 21st in Toronto - while rookie center fielder Austin Hays had two homers and five RBIs. Hays, who is auditioning for a role with the Orioles, is 11-for-32 with four homers and 11 RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (6-14, 4.89 ERA) vs. LH Anthony Kay (1-0, 5.79)

Bundy is winless over his past four turns but has fanned 25 in 22 2/3 innings during the span. The 26-year-old received a no-decision against Toronto on Wednesday when he gave up one run and five hits and struck out eight in five innings, but he also matched a season worst by issuing five walks. Bundy is 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three outings against the Blue Jays this season and stands 4-3 with a 3.13 ERA in 14 career appearances (10 starts).

Kay earned his first major-league win against Baltimore on Thursday when he gave up two runs and four hits over four innings of relief. The 24-year-old followed "opener" Wilmer Font in that contest and pitched the third through sixth innings. Kay made starts in his first two appearances and delivered a strong effort in his debut on Sept. 7 when he struck out eight and gave up two runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette (concussion) has sat out four straight games while LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (appendicitis) was scratched from Monday's starting lineup and will miss the rest of the season.

2. Baltimore RF Trey Mancini, who was named American League Player of the Week, is 19-for-46 with four homers and 16 RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak.

3. Toronto OF Randal Grichuk hit his eighth homer of September in the opener to extend his career-best season total to 31.

PREDICTION: Orioles 7, Blue Jays 5