MONTREAL -- Coach Scott Milanovich says his Toronto Argonauts are getting better. They played with discipline, stuffed Montreals offence and got a big game from running back Steve Slaton in a 31-5 defeat of the punchless Alouettes on Friday night. The Argonauts (2-4) ended a three-game losing skid and, despite their record, moved into first place in the woeful CFL East Division. "It was big," said Milanovich. "The big thing was we bought into what it takes to win. "We had less penalties. We protected the ball better. We protected our quarterback and we got after their quarterback. Thats the formula. Its the first time we grasped that." Slaton, who rushed for 52 yards and caught six passes for another 48, caught a TD pass in the final minute of the first half and added another on the opening drive of the second. "Steves talented," Milanovich said of the former Houston Texan. "Unfortunately, hes been hurt for four of our first six games, but hes got some burst." Linebacker Jamie Robinson scored on a late interception off a pass by Alex Brink and kicker Swayze Waters added two field goals. The Argos also got four points on a pair of safeties in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. Toronto rebounded from a 37-9 loss at Saskatchewan last week despite a so-so game from Ray, who completed 19 of 33 passes for 186 yards. It hasnt helped the veteran QB that the Argos are missing a handful of receivers to injuries, including stars Chad Owens and Andre Durie. It helped a lot that the defence held Montreal to only 125 net yards and that, as a team, Toronto took only four penalties to Montreals 12. The Alouettes (1-4) did not score a touchdown for a second consecutive game despite switching back and forth between quarterbacks Troy Smith and Brink, with Tanner Marsh also seeing action on short yardage plays. Sean Whyte had a field goal and two singles for the Alouettes, who were coming off a bye week after a 41-5 defeat at B.C. two weeks ago. There were boos from the 20,692 at Percival Molson Stadium as they left the field at halftime. "Right now it looks like we have a two-quarterback system, even though neither quarterback played as well as we anticipated or wanted them to," said Montreal coach Tom Higgins, who made the switches based on "certain criteria" he didnt elaborate on. "So were back at the drawing board now. "Weve got to find a quarterback that can move our offence. Were not getting production from that position. I have to find a way by hook or by crook to get more than five points. Thats not going to do it in the CFL." Smith was handed the starting job out of training camp, taking on the difficult job of replacing retired all-time CFL passing leader Anthony Calvillo. He has had his moments, but still overthrows receivers regularly and does not run with the ball. Brink looked promising, but had some drives stalled by penalties. "I wasnt happy, but weve got to win,"Smith said of getting the hook. "There was no portion of me that was going to be sombre. "I have to feel Ill get better because Im the quarterback of this team. Theres no other way to think but to be positive. I will stay positive. I wont admit this is bad and its going to get worse because Im trying to do good and positive things. Well get back to the drawing board." Smith was 5-for-10 for 63 yards, while Brink went 9-for-23 for 60 yards. Neither team was able to move the ball in the first half until Ray finally led a TD drive in the final minute capped by Slatons 10-yard catch over the middle for a 10-5 lead at the intermission. A long kickoff return by Robert Gill to open the second half and a 24-yard gain on a reverse by Slaton put the ball on the Montreal five, where Ray hit Slaton for a TD at 2:57. Robinson stepped in front of Brinks throw to Eric Deslauriers and ran it back 46 yards for a TD with 1:33 left to play. Waters had booted a 30-yard field goal on the final play of the first quarter, although he missed a 38-yarder and put 48-yard attempt off the left upright. Montreal managed two singles and a 49-yard Whyte field goal in the opening half, as Smith started and was relieved in the second quarter by Brink. The teams woes were highlighted by a third-and-two gamble at the 53, after calling a time out, on which they were called for having 13 men on the field, forcing them to punt. Smith was back to start the second half, only to have Brink step in again midway through the third quarter. Montreal receiver Mardy Gilyards first CFL start didnt last long, as he left with what seems to be a serious leg injury in the first quarter after making two catches for 16 yards. Left tackle Josh Bourque left with an injury in the fourth quarter but Higgins said it may not be serious. Bj Surhoff Brewers Jersey . 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Junior Guerra Brewers Jersey .ca MLB Power Rankings, the third consecutive week that the As have held top spot and the third straight week that they have been one ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays.The Vancouver Whitecaps added two players to their ranks on Monday as they prepare for the 2014 MLS season. The team announced the acquisition of MLS All-Star right back Steven Beitashour from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money. "Steven is arguably the best right back in the league," said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. "He is fantastic on the defensive side of the ball and his ability to join the attack will make him a great addition to our club." In 89 MLS appearances with the Earthquakes, the San Jose native has scored two goals and recorded 16 assists over the last three seasons.Beitashour has also made three appearances with the Iranian national team. "Im very excited about this new opportunity," said Beitashour. "Whitecaps FC are an excellent club with fantastic suppoorters and a great stadium.dddddddddddd" The Whitecaps also signed midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy, acquiring his rights with the seventh pick in Stage 2 of the 2013 MLS Re-Entry Draft. "Im excited to be in Vancouver," said Ballouchy. "This is a great club, with a fantastic atmosphere, and terrific players and staff. Robbo (Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson) is someone I think really highly of. He knows the game very well and Im excited to be in his plans." The 30-year-old midfielder has previously made 185 regular season MLS appearances with four teams, including the San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls, Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake. Over his career, he has produced 13 goals and 24 assists, since joining the league as the second overall pick of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. ' ' '