Yovani Gallardo couldn't get into the fifth inning of his Rangers debut last week in Oakland as he taxed the bullpen when he is supposed to be a guy that gives you a lot of innings.
On Saturday night in his home debut, the Fort Worth native was sharper against the Astros and had a much better showing for himself in front of friends in family.
Gallardo still didn't pitch incredibly deep into the game — last 5 2/3 innings — but he struck out seven and scattered eight harmless hits while throwing 90 pitches, with 61 of those going for strikes. It was a much more efficient rate than his 51 strikes in 89 pitches in Oakland.
"Overall, my command was just good the whole game," Gallardo told reporters after the game.
It was a nice relief for the Rangers fans a day after they learned they lost Derek Holland for at least two months, as Gallardo is a big-name guy the Rangers traded for to serve as a No. 3 starter but is suddenly hoping to be the team's ace.
