Rangers Fall To Marlins In Holland Disaster

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland lasted less than an inning as the Florida Marlins scored 5 runs to open the game. 

The first 3 batters Holland faced reached base before Hanley Ramirez hit a grand slam over the right field wall.  The Marlins would score another run before Rangers manager Ron Washington brought in Tommy Hunter for his season debut.  “When you have to get your starter out of the game in the first inning and only two outs, you know that there’s damage being done,” Washington said. “We tried to climb out of it, but we just couldn’t get there.”

Hunter pitched well in his first game off the disabled list, going 4 2/3 innings, giving up just 1 earned run while allowing the Rangers to climb back into the game.

Texas fought back to within 2 runs by the 5th inning and headed into the 7th down just 7-5.  Florida put the game away with 2 runs in the seventh off Darren O’Day for the 9-5 win.

The Rangers wasted a good night at the plate by Josh Hamilton, who had 2 home runs among his 3 hits.   Hamilton accounted for 4 of the Rangers 5 runs.  Ian Kinsler scored the other with a solo home run in the 3rd inning.

The Rangers and Marlins continue their series tonight at the Ballpark in Arlington.