g24 | of tipped and tributed homers and two-run triples

Mariners 7 | Tigers 3

Even on a night when he doesn't have his best stuff and even on a night when his defense was letting him down left, right and center, Felix can seemingly overcome anything vs. the Tiggers.  After dropping his first two career starts against Detroit (including his major league debut in August of 05) Felix has won his last seven straight decisions against them.

Mr. Coke, on the other hand, would just as soon never see navy and teal in the batter's box against him, as he has allowed 13 runs in 8 innings vs. the M's - and that's just this past week!  That's either some really bad pitching or some really bad luck.

Speaking of luck reminds me of Miguel Olivo - if that guy didn't have bad luck lately, he'd have no luck at all.  Well, tonight, the curse was reversed.  If you saw his "home run" than you know what I mean.  The distance and angle that that ball traveled as it was tipped off the outfielder's glove and over the wall had more the look of a bicycle kick on a soccer pitch. But hey, it was worth four bases and one run - I think we'll take it.  And then there was Figgy's triple (another who has been specializing in at 'em balls lately).  Sure would be great if this was the start of some better at bats and more runs.  Milton was the only one without a hit, but he did make a nice play in the field and stole a base.

LEON HALIP / GETTY IMAGES

AP Photo

Thankfully, due to the early start time, I was spared some of the early shenanigans (Brendon's error that allowed the lead-off hitter to get aboard, Jack W's brain-fart that allowed him to be doubled off first on Ichiro's long fly ball).  Between those things and Felix seemingly not being Felix, things weren't looking good...

But, lo and behold - someone invited an offense who seemed to be more than happy to crash Detroit's party - TEN hits??  SIX of the extra-base variety?? Who ARE these guys in the navy and teal and what have you done with my Mariners?!?  Oh, and here's the kicker ... 3 for 6 w/RISP!!!  I'm no math whiz but I do believe that equates to a .500BA  - sure it's only one game.  Baby steps.

Ok, so we had Felix battling, Coke struggling, the defense bumbling and the offense finding itself ... what more could you ask for?!?  How 'bout a little heartfelt sentimentality?  It was Justin's first game back since being away on bereavement leave for the loss of his father.  In his second at bat, he hit a 2-run home run.  Shannon reported...

Olivo was the first to greet Smoak and did so at home plate after scoring from second. While he didn't see his own home run, he did see Smoak's.

"When he hit it I got chills," Olivo said. "I think his father did that for him. I told him, 'Hey, that was for Papa.'"

After Smoak hit the home run his teammates were there to greet him in the dugout with high fives. At the end of the line was Felix Hernandez with a hug. Felix had trouble finding the words to describe what it meant to see Smoak hit the ball out and his voice shook a little when he said, "He's just coming back. He looks like he feels ready. It is tough those things that happened right now but he is going to be better."

Yep, it was a special night in Detroit.
Let's have two more.