Matt Harrison, not Derek Holland, to Start Game 7

Following Wednesday’s postponement of game six, many speculated on how the rainout would impact the pitching matchups over the final two games of the World Series.  Rangers’ manager Ron Washington made one thing clear; the weather has not swayed his original plans.  Washington has said that he’s sticking with Matt Harrison if the series reaches seven games, opting to possibly use Derek Holland out of the bullpen.

With Holland’s spectacular performance in game four, some thought that the Rangers may try and use him to pitch game seven.  Yesterday’s rainout only increased that sentiment.

But Washington has elected to stick with Harrison, who took the loss in game three.  The left-hander gave up five runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk over his 3 2/3 innings pitched.  Put that next to Holland’s game four start in which he worked 8 1/3 scoreless frames, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out seven, and you can understand why some may second guess Washington’s decision.

While Sunday was an awesome display of pitching, it also represented Holland’s first quality start of the postseason.  In each of his other three starts, Holland had allowed at least three runs while averaging around four innings per appearance.  Harrison hasn’t been any better, but over his first two starts he did make it through a combined 10 innings while allowing four earned runs on eight hits.

Though he won’t be starting, Washington did say that Holland could be used out of the pen during the final two games of the World Series.  Texas’s skipper also noted that game five starter C.J. Wilson isn’t expected to be available tonight but could be used Friday.

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