Things didn't look to be getting off to a very good start for Derek Holland on Wednesday when he took the mound in a matinee against the Tampa Bay Rays.
And it seemed perfect. Holland had been great in his previous two starts against the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels and was due for a stinker, of the 3-inning, 4-run variety.
So when he gave up three runs in the first two innings, Rangers fans let out a collective groan.
Then, he buckled down and showed he can be consistent with the first time he's ever had three quality starts in a row. A quality start is a questionable stat, but in a stats game, it's a stat, nonetheless. It means a pitcher goes at least 6 innings and gives up 3 or less earned runs.
On Wednesday, Holland went 6 2/3 innings with three earned runs, six hits, nine strikeouts and three walks.
Now, in his last 10 starts, he's 5-1 with a 3.73 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 18 walks.
Holland is quickly making a case to be the No. 2 starter in the postseason behind C.J. Wilson.
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Now, the Rangers just need to get there.
