Kumar Rocker, where have you been?

Last start, he gave up seven runs in 5.2 innings. Before that, three runs in 4.1 innings. His July ERA was 9.00 coming into last night’s game. June, 4.50.

He hasn’t been overwhelming. 

Last night, he was excellent. Six shutout innings with just one hit, two walks, and six strikeouts. He was never in trouble. The White Sox never had more than one baserunner in any inning. Rocker was on cruise control.

It helped that he had a ten-run lead when he left the game. The Rangers offense hit up and down the lineup. Every batter got at least one hit, including Nicky Lopez who took over for Josh Jung who left the game with calf tightness.

It was the kind of game where the pollyannaish Rangers fans order their playoff tickets. Not to make light of it, but it was about as dominating of a game as the Ranger could have. Suffocating pitching, relentless offense. 

It was Kumar Rocker’s game, the kind of game that gives you hope. You know he can do it. Now, can he just be more consistent. After all, you don’t have to be a Math major to realize that giving up zero runs per start is much better than giving up seven runs per start. 

*****