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Nelson Cruz Doubles, Homers As Rangers Rout M's 9-2

The Texas Rangers play host to the Seattle Mariners as Ron Washington's crew looks to extend their AL West lead.

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 3: Nelson Cruz #17 of the Texas Rangers hits a single against the Florida Marlins at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 3, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 3: Nelson Cruz #17 of the Texas Rangers hits a single against the Florida Marlins at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 3, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
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A night after coming from behind to top the Cleveland Indians in the rubber match of a weekend series, the Texas Rangers open up a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners

Matt Harrison starts in the opening game of the series on Monday night for the Rangers, looking for his 10th win of the season. Harrison has been solid this season for Texas, posting a 3.08 ERA and 1.28 WHIP while holding opponents to a .257 average against. Harrison, though, has only struck out 83 in 131.1 innings on the year, though.

Charlie Furbush will start for Seattle on Monday night. Furbush, who was acquired from the Tigers for Doug Fister, has only logged 38.1 innings in the majors this year between Detroit and Seattle. During his time up, Furbush has posted a 1.41 WHIP and 3.52 ERA, while allowing 39 hits in 38.1 innings and only striking out 29. 

The Rangers currently hold a one game lead over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Since Los Angeles is off on Monday, a loss by the Rangers would leave both teams tied in the loss column.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.