ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ryan Dempster is clearly not in Chicago anymore.

The former Cub, who was traded to Texas about 10 minutes prior to the trade deadline July 31, is getting all kinds of support from his offense.

When he went back out to the mound for the second inning, he was up 2-0. That lead grew to 5-0 after the second and by the time he toed the rubber for the fourth, it was 9-0.

"I think they are doing that for everybody," Dempster said of the run support he's getting. "It seems like every day they are putting up five up in one inning. It's pretty fun to be a part of."

That allows Dempster to alter his strategy a little, going after hitters more than he normally would in a close game.

"I think what it does is give you a little bit of leeway," Dempster said. "One run's not necessarily going to change the game. I'm sure there's going to be games where that's going to happen. That's baseball. But when you're sitting there with a nine-run lead, you tend to be a little bit more aggressive in the strike zone."

Dempster had his third quality start in five outings as a Ranger and his second straight. He gave up two runs on eight hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in going six innings. He has now allowed just four runs in his last 14 innings -- both on this homestand.

"The more you feel like you can contribute to the team, the better off you feel, the more confident you are," Dempster said. "You just try to execute pitches. I did that today and got out of a few jams."

Dempster is 7-1 in the 10 starts in which he's received four or more runs of support with the Cubs and Rangers. He continues a solid showing by the starting rotation, which is 5-1 with a 2.85 ERA and five quality starts in the last seven games (the team is 6-1).