KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Thanks to Ryan Dempster, it’s beginning to look as though the non-waiver trade deadline day was like Christmas Day for the Rangers.

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Texas wanted a savvy starting pitcher who could bolster the rotation and Dempster -- after a couple of early glitches while adjusting to the American League -- has been delivering in a big way. The veteran right-hander came through again Wednesday with a fourth consecutive quality start -- and win -- as the Rangers held off the Royals, 7-6, at Kauffman Stadium.

Dempster allowed just four hits and two runs over six innings. Over his last four starts, he’s 4-0 with a 1.73 earned run average. Being with a team that’s built to play deep into October has been rejuvenating for Dempster, who was a bright spot on a struggling Cubs team through the opening four months of the season.

If he keeps going at his current pace, the Rangers will look back at their July 31 acquisition of Dempster with fond memories.

“I was in a situation (with the Cubs) where you were playing for pride,” Dempster said. “Now, you’re playing to win the division and go to the playoffs. I’m just trying to do my part every fifth day and be as prepared as I can be. When my number is up, I just go out there and do the best job I can.”

Dempster fanned eight Wednesday, which was his highest strikeout total since April 17 at Miami.

“I’ve been doing this for awhile,” Dempster said. “It’s really simple. If you (focus on) one pitch at a time and you execute your pitches, keep the ball down and change speeds, you are going to get results. It doesn’t matter what lineup you are facing. I’m just trying to be as consistent with that as possible.”

Dempster had a three-run lead before he took the mound, courtesy of Adrian Beltre's three-run homer in the first. Other than a couple of doubles by Billy Butler on pitches out over the plate, Dempster was in control before turning things over to the bullpen for the final three innings.

“He kept them off balance,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Dempster. “He will be good as long as he keeps the ball down. He’s a deep competitor and did a great job for us tonight.”

Dempster already has five wins for the Rangers in just over a month. He’s having fun, and so are his new teammates.

“It’s been a very loose group of guys since I’ve been here,” Dempster said. “There’s great chemistry here.”

Dempster has made himself a big part of it. He’s fitting in quite nicely.