--LHP Kenny Rogers pitched a strong game, but it wasn't quite stout enough. 

Dane Sardinha is a nice story that doesn't seem to be destined for a happy ending. 

Dane Sardinha is a nice story that doesn't seem to be destined for a happy ending. 

Dane Sardinha is a nice story that doesn't seem to be destined for a happy ending. 

The Seattle Mariners still own the worst record in the American League, but are playing significantly better since Jim Riggleman took over as manager. 

Standing out in the bullpen, Seattle reliever Sean Green noticed Erik Bedard's pitch count quickly getting closer to 100 and knew he needed to be ready, even if it was just the fifth inning. 

Standing out in the bullpen, Seattle reliever Sean Green noticed Erik Bedard's pitch count quickly getting closer to 100 and knew he needed to be ready, even if it was just the fifth inning. 

Standing out in the bullpen, Seattle reliever Sean Green noticed Erik Bedard's pitch count quickly getting closer to 100 and knew he needed to be ready, even if it was just the fifth inning. 

MEDICAL WATCH: 1B Miguel Cabrera (left hip flexor strain) left the June 30 game. 

Will Joel Zumaya be the next Joba Chamberlain? Could be. 

--RHP Justin Verlander struggled with his control early but retired eight of the last 10 batters he faced to depart with a 6-2 lead. 

Justin Verlander threw six strong innings, Michael Hollimon hit his first big league home run and the Detroit Tigers hung on to beat the Seattle Mariners 8-4 Thursday night. 

Justin Verlander threw six strong innings, Michael Hollimon hit his first big league home run and the Detroit Tigers hung on to beat the Seattle Mariners 8-4 Thursday night. 

Justin Verlander threw six strong innings, Michael Hollimon hit his first big league home run and the Detroit Tigers hung on to beat the Seattle Mariners 8-4 Thursday night. 

Justin Verlander threw six strong innings, Michael Hollimon hit his first big league home run and the Detroit Tigers hung on to beat the Seattle Mariners 8-4 Thursday night.