Derek Holland Feeling Confident

Derek Holland got a no-decision for his work in the team’s series finale with the Yankees in the Bronx on Thursday, but the Rangers’ starter came away happy with his work in what would end up a 10-6 Texas victory to avoid a sweep.

Holland was cruising (more or less) when he entered the bottom of the sixth with a 4-0 lead, but singles to Ichiro, Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher brought New York to within two. Then Holland gave up a two-run homer to (former Ranger) Andruw Jones to knot things up at 4-4. After Mike Olt’s error in right, Holland was pulled. Before the inning was up, New York had taken the lead at 5-4.

“It was just one pitch that came at a crucial time,” Holland said of his outing, per the Dallas Morning News. “I think I controlled the game really well. I feel confident about that.”

All told, Holland went 5 2/3 innings and gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits. He struck out three, and did not walk a batter.