Raleigh Matches Mantle; Mariners Win 9th Straight, Take AL West

What a night for the Seattle Mariners. They unleashed a mix of historic moments, dominant pitching, and a relentless offense to crush the Los Angeles Angels 11-2.

Catcher Cal Raleigh stole the show. He tied a record held by Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle for most home runs in a season by a switch hitter. The win stretched Seattle’s streak to nine, pushed them into first in the AL West, and made them look like a real threat as the season winds down.

Cal Raleigh’s Historic Power Surge

With a single swing on Sunday night, Cal Raleigh made history. His 54th home run of the season tied Mickey Mantle’s single-season mark for switch hitters, a record people thought might last forever.

This homer meant even more—it gave him the most home runs by a catcher in a single season, breaking Javy López’s 2003 record of 42. That’s a wild number for anyone, but for a catcher? Unreal.

Why Raleigh’s Feat Matters

Most catchers don’t hit for power. The job’s just too tough. But Raleigh, a switch hitter, has the endurance and raw strength to change games.

He’s become a key piece of Seattle’s lineup. This record could end up defining the Mariners’ 2024 season.

George Kirby’s Dominant Start

While Raleigh was busy breaking records, George Kirby did his thing on the mound. He matched his career high with 14 strikeouts and gave up just two runs, no walks, and only six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Kirby went right after hitters, and the Angels just couldn’t figure him out.

The Importance of Kirby’s Outing

In a playoff race, you need pitching like this. Kirby not only shut down the Angels but also saved Seattle’s bullpen for the upcoming road trip.

Performances like his are exactly what the Mariners need to stay on top in a tight AL West.

Jorge Polanco’s Doubles Streak Continues

The Mariners’ bats didn’t cool off after Raleigh’s homer. Jorge Polanco ripped three doubles, making it seven straight games with at least one double—a franchise record tie.

His knack for extra-base hits has been a huge boost during Seattle’s hot streak. He keeps pitchers on edge every at-bat.

Angels Struggle, Show Glimpses of Promise

The Angels had another tough night. Starter Kyle Hendricks lasted just 3 1/3 innings and gave up nine runs on 10 hits.

Still, a few positives poked through. Christian Moore and Oswald Peraza each hit solo home runs. Rookie Denzer Guzmán got his first two MLB hits, which has to feel good even in a blowout.

Injury Concerns for Seattle

The Mariners had a scare when third baseman Yoán Moncada left in the fifth with a sore left ankle. They’ll watch him closely.

Moncada’s presence gives the lineup depth and a bit of steadiness. Seattle fans are probably crossing their fingers he’s back soon.

What’s Next

The Mariners are headed to Kansas City. Logan Gilbert gets the ball in the opener of a series that feels crucial.

The Angels, meanwhile, travel to Milwaukee. Caden Dana will go up against Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.

For Seattle, every remaining game could affect their playoff hopes. They’ve got momentum and, honestly, a bit of history on their side.

With Raleigh making headlines, Kirby pitching like a true ace, and Polanco swinging a hot bat, the Mariners want to keep this wild ride going. Fans in Seattle have waited ages for a team like this—maybe this is finally their time.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Raleigh matches Mantle, M’s beat Angels, take sole possession of AL West lead with 9th win in row