Derek Holland has been a model of consistency for the Texas Rangers since coming off the disabled list.
Even though he's only made two starts, the left-hander's performance so far is a positive sign for the American League's top team as it tries to solidify its rotation behind Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish over the final five weeks of the season.
Holland allowed a run and four hits with five strikeouts in six innings, the same as in his return five days earlier. The Rangers beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1 on Sunday, taking three of four games in a series between division leaders.
"What we always talk about is being consistent and I want to make sure I'm showing that," Holland said. "I know it's two games in a row. The way I'm going to look at that is, whoop-de-do. ... It's good to live in that moment. I've got to continue to worry about staying consistent."
Ian Desmond and Jonathan Lucroy each had an RBI single for Texas, which has an 8 1/2-game lead over Houston and Seattle after both those AL West rivals lost Sunday. New left fielder Carlos Gomez made two highlight-reel catches, including a runs-saving grab to end the sixth against the last batter Holland faced.
Holland (6-6) had missed two months because of shoulder inflammation before starting Tuesday at Cincinnati, a 3-0 loss. He threw 62 of his 84 pitches for strikes against the AL Central-leading Indians.
"When Derek throws strikes, Derek has success," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "He had a great mix today."
Cleveland loaded the bases in the ninth against closer Sam Dyson, who allowing a single and then consecutive one-out walks before striking out pinch-hitter Tyler Naquin and retiring Abraham Almonte on a fly ball to end it. It was Dyson's 29th save in 33 chances.
Danny Salazar (11-6) lost his third consecutive decision in four August starts despite matching his season high with 10 strikeouts and allowing just two runs in 5 1/3 innings.
In the sixth, with two Indians still on base and two outs after Jason Kipnis' RBI single cut the margin to 2-1, Mike Napoli hit a hard liner to left. Gomez was sprinting back and reaching over his head when he made the catch.
"We had a few chances," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "(Napoli) hit his ball and Gomez made a nice play, but we didn't have a ton of chances."
That was an inning after Gomez made a leaping catch with his glove extended as his body crashed into the left-field wall to rob Jose Ramirez of a hit.
Gomez played his fourth game for Texas after playing in 85 earlier this season for the Houston Astros, who designated the two-time All-Star for assignment Aug. 10.
"He was the hero today," Holland said. "I may have pitched a fairly good game ... those are two big, huge catches."
