Rain was a factor in Game 1 of the ALCS between the Rangers and Tigers, but Texas managed to survive two rain delays en route to a 3-2 victory over the Tigers. Now, with a 1-0 ALCS lead, the Rangers look to take a 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Detroit on Tuesday.
Derek Holland starts for the Rangers in Game 2. Holland made two appearances in the ALDS against the Rays -- one start, and one relief appearance. Holland started Game 2, pitching five innings, giving up six hits, three runs (one earned), while walking two and striking out two. Holland was credited with the win as the Rangers won 8-6.
Holland also made a relief appearance in Game 4 of the ALDS as the Rangers clinched the series over the Rays. Holland came on in relief of Matt Harrison, pitching 1 and 1/3 innings, only surrendering a hit.
The start comes on Holland's 25th birthday, as the Ohio native was born on October 9, 1986.
Max Scherzer starts for the Tigers, despite making a relief appearance on Thursday in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Yankees. Like Holland, Scherzer made the start in the second game of the ALDS, and was credited with the win. Scherzer pitched six innings in the Bronx, yielding two hits while walking four and striking out five.
Scherzer pitched 1 and 1/3rd innings of relief on Thursday, throwing 32 pitches as the Tigers defeated the Yankees to advance to the ALCS.
A win for the Rangers would put them in the drivers seat as the series shifts the Detroit after tonight, while a win by the Tigers merely makes it a best-of-five series going forward, with the Tigers holding three home games.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CDT from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.