From TexasRangers.com:
"It's an important series," Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "It's two teams in a division trying to win a division. It's like any other division. That's how it works out. ... The last couple years, it's been us and the Angels. They understand that, we understand that. It's not extra-intense or an extreme rivalry, but we definitely know what's at stake."
Ok maybe an important series. All I'm hoping is that the reason we looked so terrible against the Red Sox (minus the CJ rape fest shut out) is that we were on a slump and they were on a hot streak. And you can't forget that the Red Sex are also one of the best teams in baseball. Shit was pretty disgusting to watch. All I'm saying is that the rest of our pitching better step the fuck up. And I think Holland is up for the task. Get the blankets out, it's time for some Dutch Oven.
Rangers: Holland goes to extremes
• Holland is 5-1 over his past nine starts. During that time, he's recorded three shutouts, but also posted a 6.09 ERA in the other six starts. He's 4-3 with a 5.40 ERA in his career against the Angels.
"The main thing is just keeping my focus," Holland said. "Staying composed, and taking it one pitch at a time. Don't worry about anything else. It's exciting. It's going to be packed, it's a big game, but it's all about taking it one pitch at a time and not getting too caught up in the hype."
• The Texas rotation has allowed at least six runs in each of the last three games. The starters' ERA during the last seven games is 7.43.
• The Rangers' offense is hitting .197 in the last eight games and has collected eight hits or fewer during that span.
