The Rangers have figured out the winning formula. Start Cole Hamels. Texas is now 2-6 since the All-Star break. Both of the wins have come with Hamels on the mound. In fact, the Rangers haven't won a game that wasn't started by Hamels since July 5 against Boston.
It's obviously a bit coincidental that he's gotten four and seven runs of support while Yu Darvish (who has arguably pitched as well) has gotten just one run of support in each of his two starts since the break, but it's not coincidental that the Rangers are winning with Hamels on the mound.
Texas is 25-7 when Hamels starts in his first 360 days as a Ranger. Hamels wasn't his best (5 1/3 ip, 5h, 1r, 3bb, 4k), but he battled (which will win him points with the local sports scene), and did what Cole Hamels does.
Player of the Game: Adrian Beltre hit the big three-run bomb late to give the Rangers more breathing room than they've had all month but for my money Nomar Mazara going 3-for-4 with a two-run blast, a double, a walk, and three RBI was way more important. Mazara's dong in the 4th inning gave Texas and Hamels a much-needed lead.
If Nomar gets going again after his summer swoon, the Rangers' lineup will begin to look much more dangerous.
Up Next: A.J. Griffin looks to solve the non-Hamels losing streak against RHP Edinson Volquez and the Royals in the series finale. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 pm CT.