Cal Raleigh Ends 10-Game Slump with First 2026 Home Run

Cal Raleigh snaps 2026 drought with 12-pitch homer off Jacob deGrom

Cal Raleigh’s first home run of the 2026 season came in the first inning off Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom. That shot snapped a 10-game power drought for Seattle’s catcher.

The 12-pitch at-bat ended on a 99 mph fastball low in the zone. Raleigh’s blast stood as Seattle’s only run in a 2-1 loss to Texas.

MLB later highlighted the historic nature of the plate appearance and deGrom’s effort. Raleigh’s wind-aided homer felt larger-than-life in a tight early-season contest.

Raleigh’s 12-pitch homer vs deGrom: a defining moment early in 2026

The at-bat stretched through a dozen pitches. Raleigh fell behind 0-2 and fouled off six two-strike offerings before finally connecting on a low, inside fastball.

The swing produced Seattle’s only run of the night. It was a reminder: when Raleigh’s locked in, his power can change a game.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson called the sequence “incredible” because Raleigh battled and executed his swing. Those long plate appearances can really test both hitter and pitcher.

The moment meant more than a typical solo shot, especially given Raleigh’s early-season struggles and the quality of his opponent. DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, delivered a strong outing in a tough loss for Seattle.

The exchange became a talking point. Sometimes, a single at-bat can shift the momentum in a game—even one that ends 2-1 for Texas.

The numbers behind the moment

• Most pitches ever delivered to Raleigh in a plate appearance that ended in a hit (12 pitches in this at-bat).
• Most pitches deGrom has ever thrown in an at-bat that ended in a hit (12 pitches).
• The only Mariners at-bat longer than this ending in a home run was Raúl Ibáñez’s 13-pitch blast in June 2013.

Raleigh’s at-bat became a microcosm of a hitter’s grind against a legendary pitcher. Every foul ball and every count change added tension and drama to a night that fans probably won’t forget soon.

Context: Raleigh’s season and past power

Raleigh entered Monday’s game batting just .132 with one run scored. That’s a sharp contrast to last year, when he led the majors with 60 home runs.

That prior power set expectations for a guy who can change a game with one swing. Even with a cold start to 2026, he’s always a threat.

Raleigh’s near-miss on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels—when Jo Adell made a wall-climbing catch to rob what would have been one of three homers—added another twist to his story. Power’s there, but sometimes it’s about the margin between contact and conquest.

That robbed homer, followed by the first blast of 2026 against deGrom, reminded Seattle fans of something simple: when Raleigh’s on, the Mariners’ offense can catch fire. Even if the season still feels a bit off, all it takes is one swing to shift the mood.

Looking ahead for Seattle

Kansas City-style patience and Texas-caliber pitching will test Seattle’s lineup. Monday night’s performance gave a bit of hope that Raleigh can step up as a postseason-caliber force again.

The 2-1 loss showed that one big swing isn’t enough to carry a team through a long season. Still, it can spark something where the club needs it most.

• Raleigh’s power potential is still a cornerstone for Seattle’s lineup.
• DeGrom showed his durability and competitiveness, even in defeat.
• The Mariners hope to turn this breakout moment into a real hot streak.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh hits first home run of 2026 following 10-game drought