ANAHEIM, Calif. – Cal Raleigh hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, setting a milestone by becoming the first player to reach 40 home runs in the season. The Seattle Mariners achieved a 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night.
Raleigh, a switch-hitter, sets a significant precedent in MLB history. He is the first player to hit 40 home runs before August. An achievement that surpasses the previous record of 39, set by Mickey Mantle in 1961.
Raleigh’s home run, a 416-foot hit, was connected from the left side of the plate against a 97 mph fastball thrown by José Fermin. This was his second home run in eight games since winning the Home Run Derby.
Julio Rodríguez also contributed with his fourth solo home run in three games at Angel Stadium, and Randy Arozarena added another one for the Mariners.
George Kirby (5-5) struck out nine in six innings, allowing five hits and earning his fourth win in five starts.
