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Texas' Holland shuts out A's; Hamilton drives in four

Jul 8, 2011 - 5:14 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Derek Holland could get used to pitching shutouts. The southpaw twirled his second shutout in just over a month, baffling the A's in Texas' 6-0 victory at Rangers Ballpark.

"He was outstanding, pounded the strike zone from the very first pitch and never looked back," Texas manager Ron Washington said of Holland's performance.

The gem made fast work of the series opener, as Kurt Suzuki had the most success against Holland, singling twice. Holland (7-4), who also pitched a shutout on June 4th at Cleveland, loaded the bases in the ninth, but worked out of trouble to finish off his third career complete game. He allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked two.

The game was marred by the death of a male fan, who fell approximately 20 feet from the left field lower reserved seats to an area behind the left field wall.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that the man who fell has passed away as a result of this tragic accident," said Rangers president Nolan Ryan. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Oakland manager Bob Melvin said word spread quickly of the incident that puts everything in perspective.

"Baseball is not very important when something like that happens," said Melvin.

A video replay showed the man tumbling over the railing while reaching for a foul ball thrown his way by Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton in the second inning.

The man was wearing a blue Rangers hat, a white T-shirt, khaki shorts and flip flops. His arms were outstretched and he disappeared behind the wall, which sits lower than the stands, as another fan sitting next to him tried and failed to grab him.

The team said the man received immediate medical attention from staff at Rangers Ballpark and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital.

Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Hamilton was upset over the incident.

"I think as any of us would be, Josh is very distraught over this, as is the entire team," Ryan said.

Hamilton drove in a season-high four runs and Michael Young hit a solo home run for the Rangers, who have run off four straight wins.

Rich Harden (1-1) suffered the defeat in just his second start of the season. He gave up five runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and two walks over five frames. Oakland has lost three of four.

The Rangers started their offensive surge in the first as Ian Kinsler doubled to left, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Hamilton's grounder to short.

In the third, Elvis Andrus singled, moved to second on a wild pitch and easily scored when Hamilton pulled a pitch just under the first baseman's glove for a 2-0 game.

After Mitch Moreland's double, Mike Napoli drove home the first of two fourth-inning runs with a single to center. Hamilton's sacrifice fly scored Endy Chavez later in the frame for a 4-0 margin.

Young, coming off three straight three-hit games, continued his hot streak with a solo home run to right-center field in the fifth, and Texas added another run in the sixth on another Hamilton sacrifice fly that scored Chavez.

Game Notes

Oakland was shut out for the 10th time this season, tied with the Angels for the most in the American League. Texas has registered nine shutouts, one behind Detroit for the league lead...Young's solo shot was his eighth of the season...Kinsler clubbed his 20th double of the season...Holland gave up five runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his last start against Florida...Harden had a 5-5 record for the Rangers last season.