The Texas Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on June 15, 2025, as Kumar Rocker battles cramps with pickle juice. See how the Rangers swept their way back to .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time since late May, the Texas Rangers are looking at a .500 record. After a gritty 2-1 victory on Sunday to complete a series sweep of the Chicago White Sox, the team is riding high on a seven-wins-in-eight-games streak. It was a day off on Monday, but the buzz is palpable as a team that was scuffling just a couple of weeks ago now looks like one of the hottest squads in the league.
He quickly drank three bottles of pickle juice to stay in the game.
The star of Sunday's finale was undoubtedly rookie Kumar Rocker, who delivered five crucial scoreless innings. But it wasn't just his six strikeouts and four hits allowed that had people talking. Rocker battled through significant leg cramps in the fifth, requiring two visits from the training staff. His secret weapon? Pickle juice. Rocker downed three bottles to fight off the cramps and finish the inning, showing a level of toughness and ingenuity that has already endeared him to fans and teammates. His 2-4 record doesn't tell the story of a pitcher who is growing up fast and competing with everything he's got.
While Rocker was the headliner, the victory was a true team effort. The offense did just enough to get the job done. Ezequiel Duran broke the scoreless tie in the second with a clutch RBI double, and Marcus Semien provided a key insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. From there, the bullpen was lights out, culminating in Luke Jackson shutting the door with a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save of the season. It was the kind of low-scoring, fundamentally sound win that builds confidence.
After a well-earned day of rest on Monday, the Rangers (35-36) will look to carry this incredible momentum into a new week. The challenge begins Tuesday night as they welcome the Kansas City Royals to town for a new series. The team has announced that fellow right-hander Jack Leiter (4-3, 3.88 ERA) will get the ball for the opener. Leiter has been a steadying force in the rotation, and he'll be tasked with setting the tone against a tough Royals opponent as the Rangers aim to climb above .500 and solidify their turnaround.
The vibe has completely shifted in Arlington. This team is playing with confidence, grit, and a little help from the pantry. With Jack Leiter on the mound Tuesday, the Rangers have a prime opportunity to prove this hot streak is no fluke and that they are right back in the thick of the fight.
