THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Win or lose tonight, keep M's thrilling season in perspective, OK?

I’m an optimist.

But also, a man who grasps reality.

In other words, I’m not expecting Jorge Polanco to touch up Tarik Skubal for two home runs again tonight.

I guarantee that Skubal isn’t expecting it, either.

Listen, this is a big night for the Mariners.

Everyone is tired of hearing about all the years (24, sigh) since Seattle has made it to the ALCS.

Those dates show up in every national and regional story about this series with Detroit.

We see it and hear it, over and over.

“Oh, it’s hilarious that the Mariners are the only franchise that’s never played in the World Series — are they trying? — and it’s been four thousand years since they’ve won a game that mattered, yada, yada.”

Fine.

We all know that.

Just as a wee reminder, the current players haven’t been here for 24 years.

When you think about whining over the World Series next time, consider that THIS team isn’t at fault — and as best I can tell, it’s a group that plays really, really hard.

Victor Robles, who was busy reinventing his career (and looking great in the process), missed most of this season after injuring his shoulder on one of the most spectacular leaping catches you’ll ever see.

I GET a little cheesed off seeing vile, angry criticism of athletes (and others), simply because you have social media right in front of you.

Insulting players or teams just because you can do it and stay anonymous is simply gutless.

I’m mentioning it today, of course, because the Mariners’ season will be over if the Tigers win tonight.

True fans, folks who love baseball and appreciate that we have a team in the Northwest, are going to be hurting if the Mariners can’t pull it off tonight.

It will be truly painful if the game goes that way.

I vividly remember Gonzaga’s two national title-game losses, and a lot of my Zag friends claim those nights STILL make them sick.

One thing to keep in mind, gang, is that both teams are trying to win these massive games.

(I’m tempted to add the officials for working to haul North Carolina over the top against the Zags — because I’ll always believe it.)

Yes, I know.

I was just guilty of what I’m asking you to treat with caution.

However.

Ripping officials who get paid well and then screw up for all the world to see are a different target.

I’m targeting the hundreds of internet comments after an MLB showdown like tonight, calling players of the losing team horrible, ugly names.

The word “choke” is particularly disgusting, because it’s aimed at a person’s character.

I’d like to see some of these anonymous internet clowns get out in front of 47,000 people,

and take a swing at Skubal’s heater.

LOL.

Hell, most of these people couldn’t stand there in a full, rocking stadium … and tie their shoes.

I’M NOT consigning the Mariners to defeat this evening, by the way.

Sure, Skubal’s terrific.

He’s also mortal, and Seattle has hung three losses on the Tigers this year in games that Skubal started.

Oh, they can’t do it four times, you say?

Hmm.

Ring up Hall of Fame-bound Clayton Kershaw, who lost to the Cardinals four times in 2013 — including twice in the postseason.

Then, for good measure, he lost twice to St. Louis in 2014.

For what it’s worth, the Mariners have a knack for beating the toughest pitchers.

It doesn’t make sense, but it’s right there in the box scores.

Just this year, the M’s have wins over Texas with Jacob deGrom starting, and a couple against Nathan Eovaldi.

Who else?

Shannon Dreyer of Seattle Sports checked the Mariners’ schedule, day-by-day, and she found they’d also beaten Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, Boston’s Garrett Crochet, Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, Houston’s Hunter Brown, and the Yankees’ Max Fried.

It’s silly to suggest the boys will tee up Skubal tonight, but anything’s possible.

Sure, it would be great fun if the Mariners’ magic carpet ride can swoop on past this evening.

If it doesn’t, though, it’s OK to feel disappointed.

But then, think of the Big Dumper hitting 60 and all those other memories — and how thrilling the Mariners should be in 2026 and beyond.

Type THAT into your favorite comments section.

Sound fair?

Email: [email protected]

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press three times each week, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”