It’s not going to be easy. 

The break didn’t seem to do anything for the offense. It’s still in hibernation. It’s still sluggish.

They got a gift hit in the third inning when Kyle Higashioka was awarded a single on a ball that replay showed was clearly caught by Tigers left fielder Riley Greene. Then when an error put runners on first and third with one out, the Rangers offense did its usual disappearing act. They stranded both runners.

Jonah Heim led off the sixth with a double and was stranded as well. It’s like the Rangers

They were scoreless going into the eighth when Higoshioka hit a one-out double, then an out later, Josh Smith had a huge at-bat, battling for a walk to put runners at first and second with two out. 

That put Corey Seager up, who shot a double to the wall in right center, scoring both Higoshiaka and Smith, putting the Rangers up 2-0, the score the eventually won by 

In typical Rangers fashion, the pitching was brilliant once again, shutting out the best team in baseball. 

And, for the first time in a month, the Rangers are back to .500.

It’s not going to be easy. 

Not just scoring runs and winning games but making up ground.

They’re going to pay the price in the second half for all the wins they squandered in the first half.

*****