Derek Holland was very good last night, pitching into the seventh inning, allowing only a two-run home run by Albert Pujols. But it was a mammoth one.

All you can ask for is a chance. And Angels Manager Mike Scioscia gave the Rangers plenty of them.

He is a card carrying member of the Count To 100 Pitches Then Pull Your Dominating Pitcher fraternity. Ever the philanthropist, Scioscia pulled Nick Tropiano, who the Rangers were doing absolutely nothing against, and gave the Rangers chances to win with lesser pitchers in the seventh, eighth and ninth.

The Rangers failed to capitalize.

The Rangers went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position during the game, and 0-for-3 over the last three innings, leaving two on in the seventh, bases loaded in the eighth, and one on in the ninth.

They couldn’t get that hit.

It was a game that was remarkable only because it featured three of the Rangers much-heralded prospects in Nomar Mazara, Jared Hoying and Joey Gallo. Combined they went 1-for-7. Hoying and Gallo are here because, before the game, the Rangers put both Shin-Soo Choo and Drew Stubs on the D.L. With Odor’s suspension likely to start today, the Rangers suddenly have a depleted roster.

It showed last night.

When it was all said and done, the Rangers offense wasted a very good outing from Derek Holland, who got to his hundred pitches in six and two-thirds of an inning, striking out four. He got burned by both Angels hitters, though, Trout and Pujols, for the only two runs he would give up.

Once again the Rangers were unable to get to seven games over .500 for the season. But they had their chances.

They were unable to cash in on them, both the veterans and the rookies.

*****
TONIGHT’S GAME:

Jhoulys Chacin (1-2, 5.21) vs. Martin Perez (1-4, 3.48)
Game time: 7:05

How the Angels hit against Perez.
How the Rangers hit against Chacin.