Derek Holland wins pitchers duel as Rangers even series

Ever since coming off the DL in August, Derek Holland has been one of the best starters in the American League. In four starts he has gone more than six innings in each start, allowing just seven runs and 21 hits while striking out 25 batters. He has a 3-0 record in that span, which includes a complete game shutout of the Orioles. His eight inning gem on Saturday night might be the best start against the Angels in his career. Jered Weaver once again frustrated the Rangers lineup, but Texas was able to break a 1-1 tie in the 8th against Joe Smith, who took the loss.

More from Texas Rangers News

• Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter

Both teams got on the board in the first. Adrian Beltre hit a single into left to score Shin-Soo Choo. The Angels evened it up in the bottom of the first as C.J. Cron hit an RBI groundout to score Mike Trout. Neither team got on the board again until the top of the eighth, when Rougned Odor hit a sac fly to left center to score Ryan Strausborger to make it 2-1, which is how the game would end. Shawn Tolleson got his 29th save as he went against the heart of the Angel’s order–Trout, Albert Pujols and Cron. But he got a 1-2-3 inning to pick up the save, and he has the most in the majors since taking over as closer in May.

Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus both had two hits in this game. Strausborger pinch ran for Moreland in the eighth and scored the winning run. He was later replaced by Mike Napoli at first.

The rubber match in this series will be tomorrow afternoon at 2:35 PM CT as Colby Lewis goes against Hector Santiago. Lewis is currently tied for fourth in the AL with 14 wins.