LA Angels 7, Toronto 2

Vernon Wells homered and drove in four runs against his former team and the Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 7-2 victory over the host Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.

The Angels got a big effort from Dan Haren (16-9), who avoided a career high-tying fourth straight road loss and matched his career-best win total with eight superb innings.

Peter Bourjos also homered for Los Angeles, which moved within 2 1/2 games of Boston in the American League wild-card race but remained five back of Texas in the AL West with seven games to play.

The Angels, who have reached the postseason in seven of the last eight seasons, have one last chance to make a run at a division title if they can survive the weekend. Los Angeles hosts Texas in the final three-game series of the season next week.

Eric Thames homered for Toronto, but that is all the Blue Jays could muster against Haren.

Haren had received an average of nine runs of support in five previous starts in Toronto, and the Angels provided him with ample support again. Los Angeles chased Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan (0-1), who was making his fourth start since returning from shoulder surgery, after just five innings.

Toronto was without prized rookie third baseman Brett Lawrie, who is out for the season after breaking his middle finger while fielding ground balls in batting practice.

• Toronto will play their next game at home against LA Angels. The Blue Jays have a W/L % of .462 after a win and .545 after a loss.
• LA Angels will play their next game on the road against Toronto. The Angels have a W/L % of .494 after a win and .614 after a loss.