In other words, the Seattle Mariners would like to win one game of this three-game series with Minnesota, and avoid being swept for the first time under interim-manager Daren Brown.

Yes, it’s a rather pathetic thing to hope for, but there you are.

Under Brown, the Mariners are now 8-9. Far more telling, the Mariners rotation – the guys who have pitched so well all season – are 36-54 this year. Anyone wondering why, look at Doug Fister’s game yesterday – seven innings, one run, a loss.

The lineup looks like most of Brown’s and, in truth, most of his predecessors. Matt Tuiasosopo starts in left field to get some at-bats, with Michael Saunders due back as soon as tomorrow. No matter how Brown makes out his lineup, here’s the daunting stat of the day: Only one Mariner – Ichiro – is hitting as high as the Minnesota Twin team average (.279).

Yikes!

Here’s he lineup vs. RHP Carl Pavano:

• Ichiro, RF
• Chone Figgins, 2B
• Russell Branyan, DH
• Jose Lopez, 3B
• Casey Kotchman, 1B
• Franklin Gutierrez, CF
• Adam Moore, C
• Matt Tuiasosopo, LF
• Josh Wilson, SS
• Luke French, P