Williams, Blue Jays Slow Rangers, 5-1

Woody Williams’ fastball was in the upper 80-mph range, at best. Against the hard-swinging Texas Rangers, it was more than enough.

“Tonight, I had the best changeup I’ve had all season,” Williams said. “When it’s working that well, you can throw an 88-mph fastball when you’re down in the count and get away with it.”

Williams (8-13) pitched 6 1/3 strong innings Friday night and the Toronto Blue Jays ended a season-high seven-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Texas Rangers.

“It’s the best I think I’ve thrown since the beginning of the season,” Williams said. “It’s frustrating not winning more, though. I feel my season is as much responsible for the way this team has played as anybody’s.”

Williams, who gave up one run and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks, retired 14 of the first 15 batters he faced and did not allow a hit until Domingo Cedeno singled with two out in the fifth.

Roger Pavlik (2-4), who had arthroscopic surgery to remove spurs and bone chips from his right elbow, lost in his first start since May 6. He gave up three runs and five hits in four innings.

“The first time out you expect some command trouble,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said. “Roger had a little trouble.”

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Toronto Blue Jays

WHERE: at Toronto

WHEN:

Monday, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.