(Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays continue their push towards their first- ever postseason appearance this afternoon when they play the rubber match of their three-game series with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Tampa maintained its two-game advantage in the AL East on the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, as it split a day/night doubleheader, winning the first game, 7-1, before falling in the nightcap, 6-5.

Boston also split a doubleheader with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

The first game marked the return of rookie third baseman Evan Longoria to the starting lineup for the Rays. The 22-year-old Longoria was hit on his right wrist by a pitch by Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz on August 7, fracturing the wrist. The All-Star third baseman went on the disabled list on August 11, and was activated on Sunday.

Longoria had two RBI in the first game and knocked in a run in the second game for the Rays, who have won three of four.

Derek Jeter went 6-for-7 in the doubledip for the Yankees to move three hits behind Lou Gehrig (1,269) for the most all-time at Yankee Stadium.

New York has won just six of its last nine games.

Getting the call for the Rays today will be righty Edwin Jackson, who is 11-10 with a 4.06 ERA. Jackson lost his second straight start on Monday in Boston, as he allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings of a 3-0 setback.

Jackson lost two starts ago to the Yanks, who battered him for six runs and 10 hits in just 3 1/3 frames. He is 2-3 in his career against them with a 4.84 ERA in 12 games (eight starts).

New York, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on righty Carl Pavano, who will be making his fifth start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Pavano suffered his first loss of the year on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, surrendering five runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings, dropping him to 2-1 to go along with a 5.31 ERA.

Pavano received a no-decision against Jackson and the Rays back on September 3 and is 3-2 lifetime against them with a 3.77 ERA in seven starts.

New York has won 10 of its 17 matchups with the Rays this season, including five of eight held in the Bronx.