By Shannon Drayer

This is going to be quick because it is surprisingly late. I forgot that things like six-run innings tend to extend time of game, but a few thoughts after tonight's Mariners win.

First of all, boy, was that needed. I have talked on the air about sensing a bit of weariness during the five-game losing streak. It was flat out deflating and disappointing after seeing signs of good earlier in the week. Tonight it was good to hear the music in the clubhouse again.

In their 10-3 win over the Rangers, the Mariners did what they have been able to do for a good part of the season in getting to a pitcher who is not terribly good and taking advantage of mistakes made by the opposition. Good to see. Even better to see was what they did in the eighth inning. It is not every day you score six runs against the best bullpen in baseball. That is no small feat. I doubt the Rangers are losing any sleep over it but it is something that the Mariners hitters can put in their back pocket for the future. Only too recently we saw the absolute futility against Neftali Feliz when he was the Rangers' closer. Well, now the Mariners know that they have hit Alexi Ogando and Mike Adams.

The offense was good tonight as was the pitching. Outside of the first game they played this year Mariners starters have not allowed more than four runs against the Rangers in any start. They have consistently held down the Rangers offense. Tonight the offense did its part and in doing so swung the run differential in the season to the positive side. Yes, as improbable as it sounds, the Mariners have actually outscored the Rangers by two runs this season.

On Wednesday they have a chance to take a series from them.