Holland helps Rangers tie MLB World Series

DALLAS - Left-hander Derek Holland allowed only two hits and no runs in 8 1/3 innings on Sunday as the Texas Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 to level the 107th World Series at two games each.

Mike Napoli blasted a three-run home run and Josh Hamilton also had a run-scoring double in the opening inning for the Rangers, who are trying to win the first World Series in their 50-year franchise history.

But it was Holland who picked up the pieces for the Rangers on a warm fall evening in Game 4 after they were blown out 16-7 one night earlier.

Texas’ victory means the best-of-seven Major League Baseball championship series will go back to St. Louis for game six tomorrow.

Holland, who turned 25 earlier this month, struck out seven and walked two to earn his second win of the postseason, blanking the Cardinals. AFP