The throttle linkage on the 2.3 consist of several joints, two springs and an acceleration cut off switch.
What were you trying to do, beat it until it worked again? Its not an old TV

The first thing I would check are the springs, I bet you've lost one or both. The first one is visible right next to the air cleaner and connects two parts of the linkage. The second spring is hidden behind the throttle body and goes underneath it from the back part of the linkage.
I would then check the throttle cable, its possible you over extended it and its wedged.
Then I would check the linkages itself maybe something is broken, make sure its contacting the roller switch when you release the cable.
Good luck