Holland halts skid.

Derek Holland stopped another losing streak last night. Dutch has gotten much more consistent this season and appears much more confident. That's good for the Rangers. Especially so with Colby Lewis and Neftali Feliz still some time from returning. Unfortunately I realized I have no signed Derek Holland cards I haven't posted. I'm on that and sent out a card to Derek this morning. In the meantime you'll have to settle for a signed 1989 Upper Deck card from Rangers great Charlie Hough. Can't go wrong with Charlie.

Holland went seven innings and gave up just one run against the Brewers in Milwaukee. He struck out six and avoided the base on balls bug. Somehow he also coughed up ten hits. It's a testament to his nerve that he didn't give up more runs than he did.

Holland's performance was enough to allow the offense to put the game away. Mitch Moreland in particular did well as he went 2-for-4 with a home run. Nice to see Moreland hitting well. Extra nice he is able to do so against lefties. Joining Moreland were Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus (both 3-for-5), and Adrian Beltre (2-for-4). Great to see the offense looking like it's coming around.

With the A's losing on a controversial home run review that gives Texas a 3.5 game lead over Oakland. It's early in the season to be watching the standings but, as we found out last season, every game counts and the A's won't go away. It's never too early to build a big lead over Oakland.