Big homer highlights Lind's recent upswing

BALTIMORE -- Adam Lind is admittedly a streaky hitter.
Despite the ups and downs, he can change the momentum of the game with one swing of the bat. He showed that potential in a big way in the series final against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
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Lind battled Orioles right-hander Tyler Wilson to a full count before driving a fastball just over the left-field fence for a three-run homer and four-run lead. That Mariners eventually won, 7-2, improving to an AL-best 15-7 on the road this season.
After a recent slump, the big hit was a relief for Lind.
"I think the past week, I have not gotten as many hits, but my at-bats have improved a lot," Lind said. "I've seen a lot more pitches with at-bats, and I've been making the pitcher work. I feel like I'm making progress and moving in the right direction."
Lind has run the gamut of emotions as a hitter already this season. His average hovered around .200 before he picked up six hits in 19 at-bats (.316) with a double, home run and four RBIs over a five-game hitting streak from May 8-17.
Manager Scott Servais said it was a matter of time before Lind came up with a big hit.
"I'm happy for him," Servais said. "He's also hit some other balls earlier this season that could have been homers for him. I'm really happy for him."
Despite some struggles, Lind has appeared in 32 games this season. Servais has opted to start Dae-Ho Lee against some left-handed pitching. However, Lind said his playing time has been fine.
"I've never been one to put too much stock into needing to play every day," Lind said. "If you don't play for two or three weeks, that's different. But a day off here and there doesn't really affect you."
Lind also was familiar with the confines of Camden Yards after spending nine seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He admitted that was helpful over the course of this series.
"It's definitely nice to come back to the AL East," said Lind, who is batting .224 with three homers and 12 RBIs. "It's good to be back in a familiar setting with this clubhouse feel."
The Mariners are hoping Lind can take some of that power to Cincinnati for the next series.
"He's an aggressive player," Servais said. "He's an aggressive player, looking for a pitch he can drive."