The Gist: Kenny Rogers pitched good enough to win -- only if the offense provides nine runs, of course -- and Marcus Thames hit a grand slam to lead the Tigers to a soggy on the outside, sunny on the inside, second-consectuive win over the Mariners, 9-4.

The Quote: "The political answer is I'm rooting for the guy who signs the checks." -- Pittsburgh-resident Jim Leyland on his rooting interest in the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Stat: 31. The number of hits the Tigers have collected in the past two games. They tallied 19 in the three-game weekend series against the Diamondbacks. Go figure.

My Two Cents: Yeah, yeah. The Tigers are thumping the Mariners. They also took the Rangers to the woodshed last month and that little roll didn't last. If the offense continues to motor through the weekend series against the Twins, maybe I'll be more optimistic.

Did you know...? The Tigers have yet to win on Sunday in the 2008 season? Yep, they're 0 and 6. Counting tonight's win, the Tigers are 6-2 on Wednesdays, by far their winningest day of the week.

For more on the Tigers, visit my Bless You Boys-approved blog, The Daily Fungo .