Cal Raleigh Sets Historic Records with Home Runs in Mariners’ Triumph

Seattle, USAThe Mariners’ catcher, Cal Raleigh, continues to make his mark on Major League Baseball history. On Sunday, during the 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, he hit his 54th home run of the season.This hit allowed him to tie Mickey Mantle at the top of home runs for a switch hitter in a season. In addition, Raleigh became the catcher with the most home runs in a season, surpassing Javy López’s 43 in 2003.The home run came in the first inning, driving in the run after a single by Randy Arozarena. Raleigh connected on a Kyle Hendricks sinker, sending it 409 feet between left and center field. This was his 34th home run as a left-handed hitter this season.The fans at T-Mobile Park celebrated with “MVP” chants as Raleigh rounded the bases. The catcher still has 12 games left to play in the regular season.With one more home run, he would surpass Mantle.His main goal: to reach 60 home runs, a figure achieved in the American League only by Babe Ruth (1927), Roger Maris (1961), and Aaron Judge (2022).The victory allowed the Mariners to complete a perfect home stand and add their ninth consecutive win. They placed themselves one game ahead of the Astros in the American League West Division, the best position in September since the 2001 season.The team’s offense was outstanding, with six players achieving multiple hits and a total of seven doubles. Jorge Polanco, from the Dominican Republic, shone with three doubles in his first three at-bats, tying a franchise record set in 1986.From the mound, George Kirby regained his best form after two complicated starts. The right-hander pitched seven innings, striking out 14 batters (tying his personal record), allowing only three hits and two runs, without conceding walks.With Raleigh leading the offense and Kirby dominating from the mound, Seattle strengthens its path to the postseason in a season that could be historic for the franchise and, especially, for its star catcher.