Derek Holland takes the mound for the Texas Rangers tonight as they look to make it three wins in a row against the Cleveland Indians.
Holland will look to rebound from yet another shaky outing. Despite 'earning' the win, Holland lasted only five and two thirds innings against Tampa Bay, allowing five runs on five hits and five walks while striking out seven. The outing moved Holland's WHIP all the way up to 1.55 on the season, and his BAA now sits at .290. After one of his best outings of the year against the Royals, Holland has allowed nine runs in his past two starts, totaling nine and two thirds innings.
Texas' offense may have to continue to mash tonight, and they'll face another sinkerballer in Fausto Carmona. Carmona's record sits at 3-6, with a 5.31 ERA. However, Carmona has only issued 22 walks in 76.1 innings, and boasts a respectable 1.26 WHIP and .253 BAA.
As our own Brett Perryman pointed out last night, Texas has been much better with Josh Hamilton in the lineup. Not that it should come as a shock having the MVP around, but it is remarkable how much better he makes the Rangers, as Texas is now 17-5 with Hamilton in the lineup.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CDT.