Rangers top White Sox 2-1 on June 15, 2025, as Kumar Rocker's stellar start and key hits from Duran & Semien push Texas back to a .500 record. See the recap!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time since early May, the Texas Rangers are looking at a .500 record. It wasn't a blowout, and it wasn't easy, but Sunday's gritty 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Field felt like a significant step forward. In a game defined by stellar pitching and timely defense, the Rangers scratched and clawed their way to their 36th win, proving they can win the tight ones.
Our guys battled all night. Kumar gave us what we needed, and the bullpen was nails.
The star of the show was undoubtedly rookie Kumar Rocker, who delivered one of his most impressive starts yet. Rocker commanded the zone for 5.2 innings, allowing just a single run on a solo homer while striking out six and, crucially, issuing no walks. How did he handle the Texas heat? His postgame secret weapon: pickle juice. Rocker credited the briny beverage for helping him stay fresh and fight off cramps, a clever veteran move from a rookie pitcher. His composure set the tone for the entire game.
With pitching dominating the day, the offense did just enough to get the job done. The Rangers got on the board early when Ezequiel Duran ripped an RBI double in the 2nd inning to score Adolis García. Later, in the 5th, Marcus Semien provided the eventual game-winning run with a sacrifice fly that brought home Josh Smith. It was a classic example of situational hitting, manufacturing runs when every baserunner mattered.
Manager Bruce Bochy's praise for the bullpen was well-earned. The trio of Jacob Webb, Dan Altavilla, and Luke Jackson combined for 3.1 scoreless innings of high-leverage work. Jackson came on for the save in the ninth and, after a tense battle, induced a deep fly ball from Josh Rojas that settled into Evan Carter's glove for the final out. Jackson sealed his 14th save with a wicked 88.5 mph slider, capping a masterful performance by the entire pitching staff.
Reaching the .500 mark is more than just a number; it's a benchmark of resilience for a team that has battled through a tough stretch. Now, the challenge is to build on this momentum. With the pitching staff finding its groove and the offense doing what's necessary to win, the Rangers have a chance to make a real push. As Adolis García posted after the game, it's time to 'keep it rolling.' All eyes are on the next series to see if they can finally climb into winning territory and stay there.
