Derek Holland “In A Groove”?

After allowing just five hits and three runs over seven innings on Wednesday night, Rangers’ starter Derek Holland feels a lot like he did a year ago, when he finished 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA, and emerged on the national stage as one of Texas’ more promising young pitchers.

Holland now has two quality starts in his last three outings, a stretch that, Holland admits, has provided a shot in the arm for his confidence on the bump.

"I definitely feel like I’m in a groove," Holland said after the 12-3 Rangers win, per ESPN Dallas. "If I keep making my pitches, the defense is going to make the plays. Beltre made a lot of plays and also crushed the ball today. Overall, the guys are going to be on their toes if I’m going right after them. I’ve got to keep doing that, let my defense make plays and make my pitches."

Holland was pretty efficient on Wednesday night--he limited his walks (2) and threw 106 pitches over his seven innings of work before turning the ball over to the Texas bullpen--which is always key, but particularly when playing with a comfy lead, as Holland did last night.

 "After we put up the nine-spot, he came back and they pushed a couple of runs, but after that he settled down," manager Ron Washington said. "I think the night was one of his better nights, but he did have a good changeup working tonight. He was able to move his fastball in and out. He’s been throwing the ball well, hopefully tonight is the night to get him over the hump where he can be consistent."