ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Mariners scored eight runs in the second and eight more in the third and crushed the Rangers in a football score -- 21-8 -- on Wednesday. The 21 runs are the most scored in the big leagues this season, passing the 18 runs the Rangers put up April 17 at Boston.

What it means: The Rangers lose blowouts in consecutive games and lose a series at home to the Mariners, going 4-2 on this homestand. ... It's the fourth time in club history the Rangers have allowed at least 20 runs. ... It's the third time in Mariners history they've scored at least 20 runs and ties the road record for runs (21).

Sinking second: Derek Holland couldn't get through the second inning in a complete reversal of his first inning. He needed 10 pitches to get two strikeouts and three straight outs in the first. But he faced 12 batters in the second and allowed eight runs on eight hits. He walked the final two batters he faced on nine pitches, forcing manager Ron Washington to come get him. It was the shortest start for Holland since Aug. 5, 2011, when he went 1 2/3 innings against Cleveland. The eight earned runs allowed were the second-most he's allowed in his career. The most: 10 earned runs in three innings vs. Toronto on Aug. 31, 2009. That was his rookie season. ... The last Rangers starter to give up at least eight runs in less than two innings was Tommy Hunter against Boston on Aug. 14, 2008. ... Holland's ERA went from 4.05 to 5.11.

Two-out hits: Of the eight hits Holland allowed in the second, five of them came with two outs. So did two walks.

Tateyama just as bad: Yoshinori Tateyama got the final out of the second, but managed just one out in the third. Like Holland, he gave up eight runs, but six of them were earned. He allowed seven hits and a walk. The Mariners sent 13 batters to the plate in the second and 13 more in the third.

Consecutive 8-run innings: Elias Sports Bureau notes that this is the seventh time a team has scored at least eight runs in consecutive innings. The last time: May 5, 2001, Cubs vs. the Dodgers.

Bullpen will need off day: About the only good news for Texas is the club has an off day Thursday. The bullpen will need it. Everyone but Joe Nathan pitched, including: Tateyama, Mark Lowe, Robbie Ross, Alexi Ogando, Koji Uehara and Mike Adams.

Five-run sixth: The Rangers were shut out until getting the bats going in the sixth. They scored five runs, thanks in large part to Mike Napoli's two-run double. Texas had nine batters hit in the inning and had six hits. ... Ian Kinsler's sacrifice fly in the sixth following Alberto Gonzalez's triple ended former Ranger Blake Beavan's shutout bid.

Young RBI: Michael Young's ground ball scored Alberto Gonzalez in the seventh inning. It was Young's first RBI since May 18 at Houston.

Ross a bright spot: The left-handed pitcher had two clean innings, the first of four Rangers pitchers to do that. He gave up one hit (to the first batter he faced) and had a strikeout.

Montero a triple shy of cycle: Before the third inning was out, DH Jesus Montero was a triple shy of the cycle. He singled in the second, homered later that same inning and doubled in the third. Montero wasn't able to get the triple. ... The last Mariner cycle was Adrian Beltre on Sept. 1, 2008 in Arlington.

Smoak smokes 'em: Justin Smoak got the first multi-homer game of his career, mashing a three-run homer in the third and a three-run homer in the eighth. His second one was hit in the Home Run Porch at 414 feet to right field.

Tony Romo throws pitch: He wasn't able to help try to lead the Rangers on a comeback when they fell two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions behind after just three innings. But Romo did throw the ceremonial first pitch to Cowboys season-ticket holder Mike Adams. Romo's pitch was high, which is what Washington recommended. "Just don't bounce it," Washington said before the game when asked what he'd tell Romo. "Don't bounce it."

Up next: The club is off Thursday before three games in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels.