Cal Raleigh’s MLB-best 45th HR Powers Mariners’ 7th Straight

The Seattle Mariners kept their hot streak alive in the American League with a statement win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Cal Raleigh powered the offense with a historic blast, launching his MLB-leading 45th home run in the first inning and jumpstarting a 6-3 victory.

This milestone put Raleigh in rare company, right up there with some of baseball’s all-time greats. Seattle’s red-hot form shined as they wrapped up a nearly spotless homestand.

Cal Raleigh Joins Mariners Royalty

Cal Raleigh didn’t waste any time making noise. In the opening frame, he crushed a two-run homer off Rays starter Adrian Houser, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

That towering shot marked Raleigh’s 45th homer of the season, leading the league and putting him in elite territory. He’s only the second Mariner ever to hit at least 45 in a season—Ken Griffey Jr. did it five times.

Raleigh also matched Johnny Bench’s 1970 total for the second-most homers ever by a catcher in a single season. Only Salvador Pérez’s 48 in 2021 stand ahead of him now.

Consistency Against the Rays

Raleigh’s bat stayed scorching all weekend. He homered in every game of the three-game set against Tampa Bay, providing a constant spark and helping Seattle sweep the series.

An Explosive First Inning Sets the Tone

Seattle’s offense came out swinging with a four-run burst in the first inning. After Raleigh’s two-run blast, Eugenio Suárez punched a two-run single through, giving the Mariners a comfortable early lead.

Tampa Bay found themselves chasing from the start, and honestly, it never felt like they’d catch up.

Josh Naylor Adds to the Firepower

The Mariners didn’t let up after the opening inning. Josh Naylor chipped in with a solo home run later on, adding to the cushion.

It capped off a dominant homestand—Seattle went 9-1, flexing both their offense and pitching.

Pitching Perfection from Bryan Woo

While the bats grabbed attention, Bryan Woo quietly put together another strong outing. The right-hander moved to 10-6, giving up three runs on seven hits over six innings.

He kept the Rays guessing, racking up nine strikeouts against just one walk. Woo tied Hall of Famer Juan Marichal’s 1968 MLB record for most consecutive starts to begin a season with at least six innings and no more than two walks.

That kind of consistency gives Seattle real stability at the top of their rotation. It’s been a huge part of their recent run.

The Longest Winning Streak in the AL

Sunday’s win pushed the Mariners’ streak to seven games, the longest active run in the American League. This surge has boosted their postseason hopes and brought a jolt of energy to the clubhouse.

Key Takeaways from the Mariners’ Win

Sunday’s game had a few standout moments worth highlighting:

• Historic Power: Cal Raleigh’s 45th homer puts him alongside Ken Griffey Jr. and Johnny Bench, with Salvador Pérez’s record within reach.
• Fast Starts: The Mariners jumped ahead with a four-run first inning and never looked back.
• Rolling Momentum: A seven-game winning streak and a 9-1 homestand—this team’s timing couldn’t be better.
• Pitching Stability: Bryan Woo’s consistency anchors the rotation.
• Depth of Offense: Guys like Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor keep showing up, making the lineup feel dangerous top to bottom.

Looking Ahead

The Mariners are about to hit the road. Their mix of historic hitting, reliable pitching, and team chemistry faces a real test against some tough contenders.

If Cal Raleigh keeps chasing Salvador Pérez’s all-time catcher home run record, this July surge might just spark a deep playoff run in Seattle. Wouldn’t that be something?

One thing’s for sure: the Mariners aren’t just after wins — they’re after history.

 
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