Yes, the Mariners needed a little help with their first two runs. And yes, it was just their 49th win of the season. Bottom line? They’re all precious to a team trying hard not to lose 100 games.

Take Beltre.

His manager, Jim Riggleman, keeps talking about how many hard outs he’s made all season, and this wasn’t a bad example. Beltre lined out in the first and sixth innings, then doubled to set up Seattle’s run in the ninth.

Then he hit his 21st home run of the season through the Twins bullpen beyond left field in the 11th inning.

“It was a good feeling to see Beltre hit that ball,” Riggleman said. “He’s hit in bad luck all year, and hit two line drives tonight that were caught.

This is the most intelligent thing a Mariner manager has said in years. Jim Riggleman may not have the execution exactly right, but the man knows what to say.