By Ben Walker
Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Tex. ó Derek Holland kept Albert Pujols in the ballpark and the Texas Rangers in this World Series.
In a title matchup thatís getting more interesting with every game, Holland put the emphasis back on pitching. Given a pep talk by manager Ron Washington minutes before the game, Holland allowed two hits over 81/3 innings to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 on Sunday night and even things at 2-all.
Holland struck out seven, walked two and never was in trouble against a team that erupted for 16 runs the previous night. He came within two outs of pitching the first complete-game shutout in the World Series since Josh Beckettís gem for Florida to clinch the 2003 title at Yankee Stadium.
ěI was very focused. I knew this was a big game for us,î Holland said. ěI had to step up and make sure I was prepared.î
Hobbled Josh Hamilton put Texas ahead with an RBI double in the first inning. Then Mike Napoli broke it open with a three-run homer in the sixth that set off a hearty high-five in the front row between team president Nolan Ryan and former President George W. Bush.
And just like that, for the first time since 2003, the World Series stood at two games apiece. Now the whole season is down to a best of three, with the outcome to be decided back at Busch Stadium.
Game 5 is Monday night at Rangers Ballpark. Itís a rematch of the opener, when Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter topped C.J. Wilson.
A day after Pujols produced arguably the greatest hitting show in postseason history, tying Series records with three home runs, six RBIs and five hits during the Cardinalsí romp, Holland emerged as the unlikely star.
Holland got a big cheer when he took the mound in the ninth and was still throwing 96 mph. With the crowd chanting his name, he walked Rafael Furcal and left after 8 1-3 innings. He tipped his cap and waved to the fans as he walked off.
ěI was begging to stay out there,î he said. ěI said, ëIíll give it everything Iíve got. I can get the double play.íî
ěWhen I came off the field my arm hair was sticking up ó not like I have much.î
The Associated Press
10/23/11 23:25