ATLANTA -- Things have gone well for Rangers right-hander Andrew Cashner since the All-Star break. He has been dominant over his past 10 starts, and that continued in Texas' 8-2 win over the Braves on Monday night at SunTrust Park.
Across six innings, Cashner allowed two runs and struck out five on his way to his ninth win this season. Cashner improved to 6-2 in his past 10 starts and now owns a 2.62 ERA since July 5.
A big reason for his success has been the help of catcher Robinson Chirinos. The duo have built a chemistry since their time together in Class A ball as members of the Cubs' farm system. Their ability to understand one another has helped Cashner become a complete pitcher.
"I think that Chirinos had a great game plan," Cashner said. "That guy is unbelievable back there, and he is paying attention to what the hitters are doing. I think it has been really special as I worked with him all the way up in the Minors, and to work with him again is really fun."
The duo worked well to halt the Braves' bats. Cashner had his two-seam fastball working as he registered 14 called strikes, according to Statcast™. When he did get into trouble, he leaned on Chirinos to get him out of it.
"He knows what I am good at and can tell when I am out of whack," Cashner said. "He can get me back on track."

Rangers manager Jeff Banister was happy to see Cashner bounce back after an emotional game against the Astros in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's devastation to the Houston area. Cashner is a native of Conroe, Texas.
"He only got hurt with the changeup to Adams that got hit for the home run," Banister said. "He really gutted out through six [innings] and gave us some range to get our offense going."
The Rangers are going to need similar performances out of Cashner if they are to make a continued push toward the postseason. They are two games out of the second American League Wild Card spot and climbed over .500 (69-68) for the first time since Aug. 24. Texas seems to be peaking at the right time, winning 19 of the past 31 games.
Cashner said he believes the team can go far and plans to keep a consistent mentality down to the stretch.
"For me, it is about bringing the same mindset every day," Cashner said. "It is not getting too high or too low."