Derek Holland shines as Texas Rangers outclass Boston Red Sox 5-3 – MLB Update
Texas Rangers bounced back strongly to avenge their loss in Game 2, beating Boston Red Sox 5-3 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, July 25 in the finale of their three match series.
Rangers’ starting pitcher Derek Holland showed just what he is capable of as he gave up just three runs in seven plus inning while striking-out seven. His counterpart from the Red Sox, Josh Beckett gave up four runs and nine hits in seven innings to take
his ninth loss of the season.
"I'm trying to do everything I can to step up and get those innings back, that I had lost in the month off," Holland said.
"We needed exactly what he gave us," manager Ron Washington said. "He competed. He gave up two home runs, but he didn't let it affect him and kept getting after it."
"Josh gave us a zero in the first inning, as promised, and pitched a good game," Boston manager Bobby Valentine said. "Nobody on in the seventh, then a wild pitch to score a go-ahead run. ... It's a d**n shame."
Red Sox had shown great determination and mental toughness in previous game to topple the American League West Division leaders.
After Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks gained early momentum against Holland, it seemed the Red Sox will hold for a rare series win in Arlington but the Rangers came back from behind superbly to clinch a much needed victory.
Pedroia grounded into double play in the first inning to put Boston 1-0 ahead. Middlebrooks joined the party, adding a solo home-run to extend Red Sox lead to 2-0.
Daniel Murphy’s double to deep-centre in the fourth inning brought the Rangers back into the contest. Ian Kinsler had an RBI single to right to cap a three run fourth inning for Texas Rangers.
Pedroia homered to left-centre in the sixth to level score 3-3 for the Red Sox. Elvis Andrus scored on a wild pitch in the seventh and Nelson Cruz homered to right-centre in the eighth to deny the Red Sox a deserving win.
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