For the first time in their history, the Texas Rangers will finish with the best record in the American League.

With their win Friday, the Rangers clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

At home in the Lone Star state

The Rangers are 53-26 at home this season, good for a .671 winning percentage. That's the best home record in the American League and second in MLB behind the Chicago Cubs (.704).

A big part of Texas' success at home has been its offense. Entering Friday, the Rangers were one of four teams (along with the Rockies, Red Sox and Indians) with an OPS of at least .800 at home (.803).

The difference could be Desmond

Ian Desmond has been a different player at home this year compared to on the road, as you can see in the chart on the right.

The gap between home and road performance has existed for Desmond throughout his career. Entering Friday, his career OPS in home games was .784, compared to .703 on the road.

For Desmond, he has been able to make more hard contact at home. His hard-hit rate in Arlington this season is 19.3 percent, compared to 15.9 on the road.

Not an advantage for Darvish?

Yu Darvish pitched six innings, gave up one run and struck out 12 batters. However, pitching in Arlington has not been Darvish's strength this season.

Darvish's home ERA is at 4.26 in 10 starts, even with his dominant start Friday night. In his seven road starts, he has a 2.28 ERA.

A big reason for that difference for Darvish is fastball success. At home, opponents are hitting .280 against his fastball, compared to .194 on the road.