This time around they beat the teams they were supposed to beat. After a disastrous road trip in which they went 4-6, losing a series to the Angels and the Athletics, in the process knocking each team out of last place, the Rangers came home and won both series. They won two out of three against the Nationals and two out of three against the Angels. 

They’re still spinning their wheels and just renting that third wildcard spot until the Blue Jays take possession for good. But it was at least good to see them finally win against a team they should beat.

Even better to see: Suddenly, Cal Quantrill is the ace of the staff. Since giving up six earned runs to the Atlanta Braves on July 17, Quantrill has been dominating. In seven starts, he’s given up just five earned runs in 34.1 innings, for an ERA of 1.31. In fact, his last five starts, he’s gone at least five innings, and has given up just one or zero earned runs in each game. He lowered his season ERA to 2.90, by far the best in the rotation. 

In fact, according to Kennedi Landry from texasrangers.com, this Rangers homestand was franchise-record setting. In the six games on the homestand, the starters put up a 1.02 ERA, which is the lowest ERA ever for a Rangers team in a homestand of six or more games. 

These moments of excellence bring joy to an otherwise frustrating season of mediocrity. But, being perpetually .500 means there will be very high highs. And just as many very low lows. The Rangers just presented their fans with both extremes on the just completed road trip and just completed home stand. 

Mediocracy has its moments.

*****