Tough Night for Holland and Hope for the Bullpen

Derek Holland started last night for the Texas Rangers, and was unable to get out of the first inning. Derek walked two, allowed four hits, and five earned runs. This included a grand-slam to Hanley Ramirez. This was the worst start I’ve seen from a Rangers starter in quite some time. Derek has been good recently, and seemed to be turning a corner professionally. I’ll give him a few more starts before rushing to judgment on him.

The game was bad and out of reach early, despite that there were some positives. Tommy Hunter and Darren O’Day both made returns from the disabled-list. Tommy was great in long-relief for the Rangers, going 4.2 innings allowing four hits and two runs (one earned). O’Day was not as successful as Hunter but it was encouraging to see him out on the mound. These are two pieces to help a struggling bullpen put the pieces back together.

Josh Hamilton had a good night with two home runs, and Ian Kinsler picked up his 12^th home run of the season as well. The Rangers had a chance to come back in this one; they were just unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Texas was 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. The Rangers take on the Florida Marlins again tonight, and hopefully they can walk away with a series win.

-Jonathan