The Rangers Beat the Astros With Home Runs By Moreland and Fielder

Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder both slugged home runs to lead the Rangers to a 5-3 win in the opening game of a four-game set.

The Rangers now look to set up the playoff rotation by moving Derek Holland (3-2, 3.13 ERA) up a day to face the Astros on Tuesday September 15.

This would make the playoff rotation Cole Hamels, Derek Holland and then either Martin Perez, Colby Lewis or Yovani Gallardo.

If we are thinking of the glory years of 2010 and 2011, Colby Lewis had some success in the playoffs. Lewis has pitched 50 playoff innings in two deep playoff runs. He has a 4-1 record and 2.34 ERA including a .82 ERA in the ALDS.

In 26 post-season innings, Yovani Gallardo has a 1-2 record and 2.08 ERA. Gallardo reached the playoffs with the Brewers in 2008 and 2011 pitching one game in the NLCS.

Martin Perez is the lone pitcher in this rotation with zero playoff experience. He broke out in 2012 when the Rangers reached the newly implemented wild card play where Joe Saunders and the Orioles out dueled Yu Darvish and the Rangers.

I don't know who will be pitching in the play offs, it still isn't certain the The Rangers will even be in the playoffs.

I do know that Rangers have 19 more games this season and the Astros are not going to lay down and quit.

The Twins are also right behind the Rangers in the wild card standings. The Angels aren't eliminated and still have four games against the Rangers in the final four games of the season.