(St. Petersburg) Alek Manoah suffered his fourth loss this month as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Thursday.

In three innings, the right-hander allowed five runs, three hits and five walks.

Manoah saw his performance slip to 1-5, averaging 5.53. Last year, his record was 16-7, with an average of 2.24.

His only win this year was signed on April 5, in Kansas City.

The Rays led 5-1 after three innings, thanks in part to a one-run double from leadoff hitter Josh Lowe.

Randy Arozarena hit a one-run single, while the other three runs on the push came from two options and an error.

Zach Eflin (7-1) held the Jays to one run and six hits in seven innings.

“He was exceptional in his shot execution,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. The batters were going early in the count and they weren’t making very good contacts. It shows the quality of his repertoire. »

Toronto snatched two points in the ninth, before Colin Poche got the save.

Team with the best record in the majors (37-15), the Rays collected no less than seven stolen bases. Two were the work of Wander Franco, second in the American with 17 thefts.

The Blue Jays have lost nine of their last 11 meetings.

“It feels like you’ve been punched in the face,” manager John Schneider said. We have to start doing better. There needs to be a sense of urgency. »

The Toronto club will play in Minnesota from Friday to Sunday.