Miller times first four career homers in pairs

ST. PETERSBURG -- Shortstop Brad Miller isn't a big power hitter, but the Mariners rookie apparently produces in bunches as he had a pair of two-homer games in his first 39 starts with Seattle.

The 23-year-old cracked a pair of solo blasts in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Rays. His only other home runs this season came in a two-shot day on July 19 at Houston.

Miller became just the third Major Leaguer since 1969 to record his first four career home runs with a pair of multi-homer games, joining J.P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays (2010-11) and Carlos May of the White Sox (1969).

"I know it sounds simple, but I've just really been working on seeing the ball," Miller said. "Just really making that a focus point out there instead of just going up there swinging. Really zoning in on where the ball is coming out, his release point and just trying to let it fly, if I see it. I was happy, it was a couple different kinds of pitches I was able to hit hard and drive a little bit. Both of them felt pretty good."

It felt doubly good to have a big day in front of a large group of family and friends who made the 75-mile trek from Orlando, Fla., where he grew up.

"They had a whole section, maybe 40, 50, 60 people," Miller said. "It was awesome. I just wanted to talk to them and tell them thanks. I'm overwhelmed. Having that many people come was pretty sweet."

Are they invited to the rest of the series?

"They're coming to Seattle now," Miller said with a laugh.