The Texas Rangers haven’t had much luck winning games where the chance to improve to .500 is at stake.

On Thursday afternoon, Texas will have another chance as they take on the Kansas City Royals in a rubber match at Kauffman Staduim.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM CST. Fans can catch all the action on Rangers Sports Network and on 105.3 The Fan on the radio side.

With a win, the Rangers would reach the aforementioned .500 mark at 34-34 and collect their fourth straight series win.

Coming into play on Thursday, the Rangers sit just two games back of first place in the American League West and in sole possession of the final American League Wild Card spot.

As for Thursday, Kumar Rocker takes the mound for the Rangers, looking to continue his strong season. Rocker enters play with a 2-5 record but an ERA of just 3.54.

Back on May 30th at Globe Life Field, Rocker fired one of the better outings of his young career against these same Royals. The young Rangers righty threw six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and three walks.

Rocker did not factor into the decision that game as the Rangers used an Ezequiel Duran walk-off single to cap off a three-run ninth inning and a 7-6 comeback victory.

In his last start against the Cleveland Guardians, Rocker was once again solid, going five innings and allowing just two runs.

The Rangers' offense will be tasked with facing Royals righty Michael Wacha, who enters play 4-for-4 with a 3.44 ERA on the year.

Rangers hitters won’t have to think far back to remember their success against Wacha as just 11 days ago, Texas got to him for six earned runs on eight hits and four walks in a 6-3 win that closed out a sweep.

Following today’s game, the Rangers will hop on a flight to Boston, where a three-game set against the struggling Boston Red Sox at the iconic Fenway Park awaits them. Boston is just 10-21 at home so far this season.

With a strong end to the road trip, Texas could return home to Arlington with a record above .500 and possibly even as division leaders.

Still, the Rangers' focus will remain on Thursday and finally getting back to the .500 mark that has eluded them so many times over the last two years.

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