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Weaver dazzles as Angels blank Blue Jays

Aug 25, 2007 - 6:17 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Jered Weaver tossed six scoreless innings to outduel Roy Halladay as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim blanked the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-0, on Friday.

Weaver (9-6) yielded five hits and struck out five en route to his third win in four decisions. It was an impressive rebound performance for the righthander, who was tagged for six runs in 4 1/3 frames in a loss at Boston on Saturday.

"To beat good pitching, you have to pitch well yourself," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Jered matched (Halladay) pitch for pitch and handed the game to the bullpen that closed the game."

Anaheim relievers Justin Speier and Scot Shields each tossed a scoreless frame to bridge the gap to closer Francisco Rodriguez, who worked around two walks in the ninth for his 32nd save.

"Anytime you can get through six and hand the ball to our bullpen, you feel confident in a victory," Weaver said.

Anaheim (75-53) improved to a major league-best 43-19 at home and remained one game ahead of the Seattle Mariners (73-53) atop the American League West Division standings.

The Angels wasted little time getting to Halladay (14-6), as All-Star Vladimir Guerrero and Maicer Izturis both stroked RBI singles in the first inning for a 2-0 cushion.

"They found ways to put the ball in play," Halladay said. "They fight off quality pitches and squeezed out some hits. They are a good team, they grind it out and make it tough for you. There are no easy outs."

The Blue Jays' ace regrouped to keep Anaheim off the board until the seventh, when Orlando Cabrera's two-out base hit plated Howie Kendrick, who led off the inning with a single.

Halladay went the distance once again, allowing three runs and a season high-tying 12 hits while striking out five.

"I'm glad they stuck with me," he said. "You appreciate that coming from your manager. It's trying to get as deep as you can every game. I've never set a goal to lead in complete games, it's going as far as you can."

It was the third straight complete game and league-leading sixth of the season for the former Cy Young Award winner, who lost for the first time since July 28 against the Chicago White Sox.