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Mariners looks to snap scoreless skid in Texas

Jul 23, 2007 - 2:29 PM Seattle (54-41) at Texas (42-56) 8:35 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- Looking to avoid a dubious franchise record, the Seattle Mariners start a four-game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday.

After posting a 5-3 record following the All-Star break, the Mariners were shut out in each of their last two games against the Blue Jays. They managed just three hits in each of those contests and will need to find their offense if they hope to avoid being blanked in a third straight game for the first time in the franchise's 31-year history.

Seattle may have found the right opponent at the right time in the Rangers, who have the second-highest team ERA (4.96) in the majors.

Following a stint on the disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis, Horacio Ramirez (5-2, 5.89 ERA) looks to build on on solid return. Last Monday, he allowed two runs and five hits over a season-high seven innings in a 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

The lefthander made his only career start against the Rangers in his Mariners debut, allowing five runs - one earned - in six frames of a 14-6 win on April 15.

Texas' Kevin Millwood (6-8, 5.50) aims to continue his recent display of strong pitching. He is 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA in his last seven starts and was 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in his first three starts this month before permitting four runs - one earned - and three hits over six innings in a 6-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

The Rangers ace is 6-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against Seattle in his career, including a 1-1 record with a 5.29 ERA in three starts this season.

Texas has lost four of its last five games following an 8-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.