Zach Eflin became the third pitcher with seven wins in the majors, and the Tampa Bya Rays defeated Alek Manoah and Toronto 6-3 on Thursday to take three of four in the series against the Blue Jays.
Eflin (7-1) allowed one run and six hits in seven innings as the Rays (37-15), owners of the best record in the majors, stole seven bases for the second time this season. They also went 24-5 at home. Eflin joined his rotation partner Shane McClanahan (8-0) and Minnesota’s Joe Ryan (7-1) as the winningest pitchers.
Manoah (1-5), a 16-year-old winner, extended his winless streak to nine starts. He allowed five runs, three hits and five walks in three innings with six strikeouts. His ERA went up from 5.15 to 5.53. The Rays stole five bases when he was on the mound.
Toronto (26-25) has lost nine of 11 and is 8-15 in May. They trailed the Rays by 10 1/2 games, and the teams won’t meet again until six games in the final 10 days of the season.
For the Blue Jays, the Dominican Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 5-1. Mexican Alejandro Kirk 4-3, one scored.
For the Rays, the Dominicans Wander Franco 2-1, two runs scored; Manuel Margot from 4-0; and Francisco MejÃa 4-0. Colombian Harold RamÃrez 4-0. Cuban-Mexican Randy Arozarena 3-2, one scored.