The Mariners (34-32) return home to Safeco Field Monday night to start a three game series against their division rivals, the LA Angels (31-36). Seattle has an opportunity to separate themselves from the Angels in the standings and make the AL West division race a two-team battle. The Mariners are currently 1.5 games back from the Texas Rangers, while the Angels are five games back.
Jason Vargas (4-3 3.94 ERA) gets the start for the Mariners. In his last start against the Angels, Vargas pitched seven innings of shut out baseball and struck out a season-high nine Angels batters. The left-hander has won four of his last five decisions.
Taking the mound for the Angels is Dan Haren (5-4 2.41 ERA). Haren went eight innings and only surrendered one run to the Mariners in a start back in mid-May. He has been a dependable workhorse for the Angels this season, he has pitched into the sixth inning in all but one of his 14 starts.
First pitch at Safeco Field Field is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PT with coverage on ROOT Sports and 710 ESPN AM.
For more news and information regarding the Mariners and tonight's game head on over to SB Nation's Mariners blog, Lookout Landing.