There is something to be said about doing battle with the Rays for 12 innings. There is something to be said about Brandon League blowing another flawless outing by Felix Hernandez. There is something to be said about leaving 13 runners stranded in a 1-run game.

Tonight, however, all I can think about is Miguel Olivo. He extended his hitting streak to eight games with a solo shot off right-handed starter Jeremy Hellickson, his third home run in his last five starts. He fired a rocket to Brendan Ryan for the tag on Evan Longoria and the first double play of the evening. In the 9th, he handled an awkward throw to first to beat B.J. Upton, a play I was admittedly frustrated by when I watched the ball fly past Dustin Ackley, not realizing until seconds later that Olivo had crumpled to the ground.

According to the flood of tweets from the Mariners and beat writers, Olivo suffered a right groin strain. He limped off the field, and it’s no stretch of the imagination to assume he’s going straight to the DL. Now, this didn’t affect the game too badly—although Seattle was left without a DH after pinch-hitting John Jaso, Jesus Montero filled in behind the plate, and even put up the second run with a solo homer in the 11th.

It’s the speculation from Larry Stone I find most interesting, and something we’ll try to address more in-depth as details are released:

@StoneLarry Yes, they could easily call up Carp, but that would mean Montero and/or Jaso would catch every day. Not sure if they’ll do that. Perhaps.

Who do you want to see behind the plate until Olivo returns? Montero, Jaso, or another backup catcher simmering in the minor leagues?

Next game: @ Rays | May 1 | 4:10pm

Attention, Mariners fans: we are just four games away from Smoakamotive Train Night at Safeco Field. Even better than collectible trains modeled after Justin Smoak, the Mariners are returning to Seattle for a six-game homestand against the Twins and Tigers.

Until then, we’re stuck with a four-game series against the current AL East leaders: the Tampa Bay Rays. Of course, take that information with a grain of salt; the Baltimore Orioles are tied for first place as well.

Current record: 14-8

Last game: vs. Rangers. You think playing the Rangers is intimidating? Try playing a team who beat the Rangers. In Arlington, no less. Yeah.

After sweeping the Angels (Pujols Home Run Watch 2012: 0), Tampa Bay handed the Rangers their first series loss. Call it a combination of solid bullpen backup and timely hitting from Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton, and Jeff Keppinger. Call it a meltdown on the Rangers’ part, letting 32 hits and 15 runs slip through the fingers of Derek Holland and Matt Harrison. Any way you slice it, the Rays are making a strong start to the season.

Last series against Seattle: August 19 – 21, 2011. Ready for more bad news? Here it is: the Rays swept the Mariners at Tropicana Field. The Rays beat the Mariners 6 of 10 times in 2011. The last winning road game the Mariners recorded against the Rays was on September 26, 2010, pitched by Luke French and won on Josh Wilson’s 3-run homer. On August 19, 2011, Felix Hernandez pitched a complete-game loss against Tampa Bay, opening the series with 9 strikeouts, 7 hits, and 3 earned runs in 8.0 IP.

Toughest player: Desmond Jennings has an 11-game hit streak, Jeff Keppinger went 6-for-9 in the past week, and Evan Longoria killed a 3-run homer to start the last series. I’ll let you take your pick.

Weakest link: Corner infielder Brandon Allen is 1-for-6 with the Rays this season after a single start in left field. Granted, his one run was a walk-off home run against the Angels, but I take slight comfort in knowing he made three appearances against Seattle this year (as an Athletic), going 0-for-7 with 5 strikeouts.

Expected result: After going 0-for-5 in series predictions, I’m going to forgo the faked foresight this time around. The Rays have an excellent track record against Seattle, but as long as Alex Liddi stays hot, Miguel Olivo and Chone Figgins keep surprising us with home runs, and the ‘pen remembers to back up King Felix, we should be okay. Fingers crossed, everyone.

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