ARLINGTON, Texas - Derek Holland threw a dazzling World Series gem as the Texas Rangers shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 on Sunday to level the best-of-seven championship at 2-2.

Mixing a darting breaking ball and a beguiling change-up with his 95 mph fastball, Holland gave up just two hits in eight and one-third innings before closer Neftali Feliz secured the win by striking out Matt Holliday with two men on.

The 25-year-old Holland struck out seven and walked just two in a superlative effort that earned a standing ovation from the Rangers Ballpark crowd of more than 50,000 when he came off the mound in the ninth.

Catcher Mike Napoli struck the decisive blow for Texas, belting a three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Rangers manager Ron Washington gave all the credit to the pitcher-catcher combination for shutting down the Cardinals, who scored 16 runs in a Game Three rout.

"It was Holland and Mike Napoli," said Washington. "He was able to use all his pitches all around the strike zone.

"He had good off-speed stuff tonight, kept them off balance, move them in, move them out, up, down. He was just outstanding. He and Napoli worked outstanding tonight."

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa agreed that pitching made all the difference.

"I would just say he worked us over. Give him credit," La Russa said. "He just worked us over and shut us down."

Holland said he was determined not to be cowed by the Cardinals, particularly Albert Pujols, who had blasted three home runs and drove in six in Saturday's game.

"I know he's a great hitter. He's one of the best in the game, there's no doubt about it," Holland said. "But I wanted him to see my "A" game, as well.

"I'm going to try to do everything I can and try to go right after him. I felt like I did a good job of that today."

Reuters