Williams Almost Clemens-Like

Woody Williams followed Roger Clemens’ lead and nearly upstaged him.

One day after Clemens took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against Oakland, Williams threw five perfect innings before giving up a leadoff homer in the sixth to Scott Spiezio.

The Blue Jays and Williams went on to defeat the Athletics, 6-3, Sunday.

“I knew what was going on out there,” Williams said, “but at the same time, I didn’t make my pitch to Spiezio and he made me pay. So I lost the no-hitter and the shutout all at once.”

It hardly mattered. The punchless A’s waited too late to make a game of it, getting all five of their hits in the final four innings.

“The last two days, we haven’t been able to muster any hits until the second half of the game,” Oakland Manager Art Howe said. “We have to get the bats going earlier in the game.”

Toronto Manager Tim Johnson believes he has another potential ace in Williams (3-1), whose ERA of 2.61 leads the rotation.

“Here’s a guy who goes out there every fifth day and gives you everything he’s got, heart and soul,” Johnson said.

Williams was helped out by a sudden power surge from Carlos Delgado.

Delgado, activated April 24 after arthroscopic surgery Jan. 19 on his right shoulder, drove in three runs to double his season total.

He had a two-run homer in the fourth and an RBI double in the seventh.

“It’s nice to know you’re still able to do something you did before you got hurt,” Delgado said.

Williams wound up giving up two runs and four hits in seven innings with six strikeouts and no walks. He is 3-0 in four starts against the A’s.

Randy Myers pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save in seven chances, completing a five-hitter.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Toronto Blue Jays

WHERE: Edison Field

WHEN: Tuesday, 7 p.m., Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.