After Holland is Strong, It Gets Away: Twins 4 Rangers 3

I know this is a playoff race – a situation we haven’t been in for more than a decade.

But why take Derek Holland out with only 87 pitches with one out in seventh inning? He threw 62 strikes and 25 balls – one of the best ratios seen from a Rangers pitcher in a while. When Holland left, the Rangers were ahead 3-2, thanks to a Julio Borbon squeeze play in the top of the inning.

Alexi Ogando came on, charged with holding the lead. Facing only J.J. Hardy, he allowed the game-tying single, and now Holland could only hope for a no-decision. Matt Harrison entered to try to handle hard-hitting lefties Denard Span and Joe Mauer. He didn’t do his job either, surrendering the go-ahead RBI single to Span and walking Mauer, who is batting .325. The Rangers need to be able to count on their bullpen for a good September.

A pinch-hit single by Vladimir Guerrero in the ninth put the Rangers in position to score a fourth run, but an on-target throw from right fielder Jason Repko nabbed pinch runner Alex Cora at third and erased the threat.

Note: Josh Hamilton left the game in the eight with lower back/glute tightness. Hamilton has also had recent problems with his knee. Before leaving, he singled twice and is batting .362.