Derek Holland talks to the press after Texas Rangers lose series against Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays picked up an all important win against the Texas Rangers 5-4 on Wednesday, September 7 as they sailed to a victory in the three-game series at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.
The deciding game was important for the Texans who were trying to maintain their lead against the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West. Derek Holland talked to the press after the game he was mildly pleased with his performance.
The hurler started for the Rangers on the mound and even though he avoided a game loss, his early shake up in the first inning, cost the club a lot as the Rays managed to draw the winner late in the 10th inning through a walk off homer from Desmond
Jennings.
Holland featured in 6.2 innings and reduced his earning runs average to 4.12. He earned three runs off six hits in the game.
A walk to Jennings in the first inning dampened the momentum in the top first inning. Holland conceded a double to Evan Longoria after that and then another double was conceded to Ben Zobrist. The early jitters allowed two runs off Longoria and Jennings.
In the second inning, Holland managed to swing back in to trouble again as he allowed a walk to Kelly Shoppach. The Rays’ man then turned the opportunity into a run for Tampa Bay when B. J. Upton produced a single to second baseman Ian Kinsler.
"A couple walks, falling behind the hitters, I think hurt, but overall I thought I did a fairly good job of keeping the team in the game," said Holland.
Holland managed to strike-out nine hitters in the game maintained stability after the second inning but it did little to prevent the Rays from going on top in the latter period of the game.
"The big thing that hurt me was not expanding [the strike zone] with my off-speed pitches," said Holland. "I felt like I was working off my fastball better (after the first inning)."
Holland will be back on the mound soon but the one thing to expect differently will be his control on the ball. Manager Ron Washington will be looking into the matter keenly.
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