It needs to be said only because it could mathematically happen. The Rangers could end the first half of the season over .500. And if they can somehow pull that off, it will be one of the few positives to glean from what has been a frustrating first half. It would be a huge boost as this team heads into the second half of the season.

With last night’s satisfying 7-3 win over the Astros, a game in which every Rangers starter got on base, the Rangers have, for what seems to be the thousandth time this year, gotten within one game under .500. 

But don’t get your hopes up. Yes, the Rangers offense has been clicking lately, but there are roadblocks.

One, today they face Framber Valdez. He’s a left-handed starter. Texas does not do well versus lefties. Valdez is 9-5 against the Rangers in his career, with a 2.50 ERA.

Two, the Rangers have tried time after time after time to get to .500 and just cannot seem to get over the hump.

Maybe today is different. Maybe this is the day they beat a lefty, maybe it’s the day they beat their demons.

Maybe.

It’s sad that a season with this much promise has come down to a maybe.

*****