Rangers Make Their Run At First Postseason Berth

A recent run of success at home has the Texas Rangers wondering whether this might be the year they finally reach the playoffs.

The Rangers went into Thursday one game ahead of both Milwaukee and the New York Yankees in the race for the wild-card spot.

But the Rangers, who have never made a playoff appearance, severely damaged themselves in the American League West race with a 10-game losing streak after the All-Star break.

Manager Johnny Oates has battled injuries and an inconsistent pitching staff. Texas lost third baseman Dean Palmer before the season and slugger Juan Gonzalez just came off the disabled list for a second time. Gonzalez has missed 54 games with back and neck problems.

The Rangers have won 10 of their last 16 games. They have won seven of their last nine games at The Ballpark in Arlington.

“You have to be a good home team and we’re starting to be tough in this park,” said Oates.

The Rangers were 31-32 in their new home last year.

Texas was 10 games under .500 but was leading the division when the strike came. The Rangers have never won a pennant and didn’t claim one because of the way the season ended. No division pennant flies from the flagpole at The Ballpark.

“We’ve got a good shot at the wild card,” said club president Tom Schieffer. “Johnny has done a good job of making do with the injury cards that have been dealt him.

”(General manager) Doug Melvin has done well by going out and getting pitchers like Bobby Witt and Danny Darwin. He found (outfielder) Lou Frazier in the Montreal organization and not many people heard of him but Frazier has done a good job since he has been here.”

The Rangers have come from behind to win 25 games this year.