The All-Star Break is officially over, as the Texas Rangers take on the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Thursday night. While it was undoubtedly a fun experience for the Rangers that were present at the All-Star Game, including manager Ron Washington who managed the American League, it's now time to move on and work on extending Texas' win streak - which currently sits at seven.
Derek Holland, coming off his best performance of the season, gets the start to open up the second half of the season for the Rangers. Holland went the distance in his last outing, pitching a complete game shutout while allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Holland's excellent start, however, was overshadowed by the death of Shannon Stone at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Jason Vargas will start for the Mariners against the Rangers. Vargas has been solid this year, owning a 6-6 record to go along with a 3.49 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and .233 average against to go along with 81 strikeouts in 121.1 innings.
The Mariners sit in third place in the AL West currently, seven and a half games behind the Rangers. Texas leads the AL West by one game over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. CDT.