The Boston Red Sox still haven't found the secret recipe to beat the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost for the third time in as many days Wednesday at Tropicana Field, this time by a score of 4 to 1.

In today's duel, Shane McClanahan (10-3) handcuffed the visitors' hitters. In six and a third innings of work, he struck out six opponents. He allowed the visitors' only run, on three hits.

Offensively for the crowd favorites, Taylor Walls drove in a run with a long ball, while Ji-Man Choi, Harold Ramirez and Yandi Diaz also drove in a run each, each time with a drive-in. 'a simple.

The Rays took a game-and-a-half lead over the Red Sox for second in the All-American East Division. The Massachusetts team was even caught by the Toronto Blue Jays, who won 8-2 against the Philadelphia Phillies. All three teams hold draft spots for the playoffs.

The Rays will now have the chance to humiliate the Red Sox by sweeping them on Thursday.

The Mariners at the height of the race

The Seattle Mariners, the American's fourth team to earn a draft berth, also triumphed on Wednesday. They held off a late Nationals comeback in Washington to win 6-4.

The Quebecer Abraham Toro was not a big factor in this game, he who drew only one base on walks during his appearances at bat.

Eugenio Suarez was the most productive for the winners. In the first inning, he kicked the ball out of bounds while two of his teammates were on the trails.

The Mariners also had a little scare in the ninth inning. Leading 6-1, they saw Juan Soto hit a three-run homer, but the threat stopped there.

Like the Jays and Red Sox, the Mariners have a 47-42 record.