Holland Gets 2nd Shutout In Rangers Win

The Texas Rangers won their 8th straight game Thursday night in Seattle against the Mariners to start off the second half of the season.

Rangers starter Derek Holland pitched his second consecutive shutout, the first Ranger to do tha since 1983 (Charlie Hough).  Holland allowed 5 hits and walked only 1 while striking out 8 in the game.

Josh Hamilton opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, his 12th of the year.  Nelson Cruz followed up with his 21st round-tripper in the second inning.  Mike Napoili hit his 13th homer in the sixth inning.  It is the first time this season a team has hit 3 home runs in a game against the Mariners at home.

Yorvit Torrealba, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young all hit doubles for the Rangers as Texas pounded out 12 hits.

Texas has a 1 1/2 game lead over the Angels in the AL West.  The Rangers play the Mariners again tonight at Safeco Field in Seattle.