51s’ Mills answers call

TORONTO -- Brad Mills knew he was going to get only one start before heading back to the minors. He made sure it was a good one.

Mills, a rookie left-hander, pitched seven innings for his first major league win, Lyle Overbay hit a three-run homer, and the Blue Jays wrapped up a three-game sweep by beating the Orioles 5-0 on Wednesday night, Toronto's 12th consecutive victory over Baltimore.

"(Mills) was making a lot of good hitters look foolish up there," Overbay said.

Called up to make a spot start after Toronto played a doubleheader Sunday, Mills was optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game. He might be gone, but Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston won't forget him.

"If we need a starter down the line, we know where to go get him," Gaston said.

Making his first major league start of the season and the third of his career, Mills (1-0) allowed two hits, both singles, walked three and struck out four. The 25-year-old went 0-1 in two starts last season, giving up 12 runs in 7 2/3 innings.

"Last year didn't go the way I wanted to, so it's great to come up here and prove to myself that I can get outs here," said Mills, who is 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA in 16 starts with the 51s this season. "I know I can pitch here."

Brian Roberts lined a single to right on the soft-tossing lefty's third pitch of the game and promptly was erased on a double play. Mills didn't allow another hit until Jake Fox's two-out liner to left in the seventh.

Adam Lind went 3-for-3 with an RBI and an intentional walk for the Blue Jays, who have won five of six.

Toronto, leading 1-0 after scoring an unearned run in the second inning, blew it open against Baltimore's bullpen with a four-run eighth, highlighted by Overbay's homer.

Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie (4-11) allowed six hits in seven innings, walked one and struck out three.