Cole Hamels has taken some heat from irrational Rangers fans for his performance in his first month as a Ranger.
He hasn't been the ace the Rangers thought they were trading for, but he hasn't been terrible by any means and he's provided a boost of confidence to the entire team that has been evident with the way the team has played since he arrived (14-7 record since the trade).
On Sunday, Hamels worked six innings and allowed just two runs — his second straight quality start and his win as a Rangers pitcher. He allowed eight hits, but most of them were lightly hit and not the result of good contact.
“I’d hoped to get one,” Hamels said of his first win with the club, via the Dallas Morning News. “I’m just happy to continue us rolling and be a part of that more so than the last couple games. I haven’t contributed in a way I know that I’m capable of doing.
“Feeling more united with the team. I’ve actually pulled some weight.”
The Rangers need quality Hamels the rest of the way to give them a solid shot at a playoff spot as they enter Tuesday's series with Toronto with a 1 1/2-game lead on the second wild card spot.