UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners delivered a stunning performance against the Atlanta Braves, scoring a jaw-dropping 18-2 victory on September 17, 2023. Cal Raleigh blasted his major-league-leading 53rd home run, inching closer to the record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season.
Raleigh is now just one home run away from matching the legendary Mickey Mantle, who hit 54 in 1961, according to ESPN Research. The Mariners showcased their offensive power with 20 hits, marking their highest run total since 2012.
Eugenio Suarez also shone brightly, hitting two home runs and raising his season total to 45. Other contributors included Jorge Polanco and Josh Naylor, who both added to the home run tally, helping the Mariners hit five homers in consecutive games for the second time in franchise history.
The game was highlighted by an explosive eight-run third inning, where Polanco and Naylor both went deep. Raleigh capped off the scoring with a three-run blast in a seven-run ninth inning, bringing his RBI total to an impressive 113.
This remarkable victory marks Seattle’s most runs since a 21-8 rout against Texas on May 30, 2012, and their most hits since that same game against the Rangers. The Mariners have now won consecutive games for the first time since late August.
In the race for the playoffs, Seattle (75-68) has opened up a 1.5-game lead for the third and final AL Wild Card spot over Kansas City (73-69), which was scheduled to play later today. Meanwhile, Texas fell to 73-70 after suffering its third loss in four games.
Starting pitcher Luis Castillo (9-8) was strong on the mound, allowing only one run and four hits over six innings. This victory marks his first win since July 28, breaking a streak of six games without a win.
In another highlight, Julio Rodriguez stole a base, achieving his third career season with 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. This ties him with legends Darryl Strawberry and Bobby Bonds for the most 25-25 seasons within a player’s first four years.
In a change of plans, the Braves scratched scheduled starter Spencer Strider on Sunday morning, pushing his start back to Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. Joey Wentz (5-6) struggled, giving up eight runs and matching his career high in just 2.3 innings.
As the Mariners push forward in their playoff pursuit, fans will be watching closely for Raleigh’s next home run and the team’s continued momentum in the coming games.
