John Lackey

Following a 2-5 start after the All-Star break, the Red Sox look to rebound Thursday night as they begin a four-game series against the Mariners in Seattle.

The Sox will hand the ball to John Lackey, who sports a 9-5 record with a 4.65 ERA. In his last start against the Rangers on July 17, Lackey got a no-decision in the Sox’ only win in the four-game series. He allowed seven hits and two runs while striking out three.

The Mariners will turn to Ryan Rowland-Smith, who holds a 1-9 record with a 6.18 ERA. The Australian’s only win this season came on June 20, when he defeated the Reds during interleague play. In four starts this month, Rowland-Smith has allowed 26 hits, 17 runs and three home runs.

Kevin Youkilis has experienced great success against the Mariners pitcher, with two doubles and four RBI. The Sox will need Youkilis to help spark an offense that only recorded 10 runs in three games against the A’s.

Thursday’s game marks the first meeting between the two clubs this year. In 2009, the Mariners won the series 4-2.

Red Sox vs. Ryan Rowland-Smith

Marco Scutaro (5 plate appearances): .200 AVG./.200 OBP/.200 SLG, 1 strikeout

David Ortiz (4): .250/.250/.250, 2 strikeouts

Kevin Youkilis (4): .500/.500/1.000, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 1 strikeout

Ryan Shealy (3): .333/.333/1.333, 1 HR, 1 RBI

J.D. Drew (1): .000/.500/.000, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Kevin Cash (1): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

The Mariners starter has never faced Adrian Beltre, Bill Hall, Darnell McDonald, Jed Lowrie, Mike Cameron and Dusty Brown.

Mariners vs. John Lackey

Ichiro Suzuki (85 plate appearances): .306 AVG/.330 OBP/.376 SLG, 3 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 walks, 14 strikeouts

Jose Lopez (40): .300/.317/.425, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 6 strikeouts

Milton Bradley (17): .176/.364/.294, 2 doubles, 5 walks, 6 strikeouts

Franklin Gutierrez (11): .182/.250/.182, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts

Russell Branyan (6): .500/.500/1.167, 1 double, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 strikeouts

Josh Wilson (5): .000/.167/.000, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts

Jack Wilson (3): .333/.333/.333, 1 strikeout

Josh Bard (3): .333/.333/.333, 1 strikeout

Ryan Langerhans (3): .000/.000/.000, 2 strikeouts

Casey Kotchman (3): .333/.333/.333, 1 strikeout

Rob Johnson (2): .000/.333/.000, 1 walks

The Red Sox starter has never faced Chone Figgins, Justin Smoak and Michael Saunders.