Cal Raleigh showcased his remarkable power on July 7, 2023, hitting his 37th and 38th home runs of the season, as the Seattle Mariners triumphed over the Detroit Tigers with a decisive score of 12-3. This performance brings Raleigh within one home run of tying the record set by Barry Bonds for the most home runs before the All-Star break, a milestone achieved in 2001.
Raleigh, playing as the designated hitter, made a significant impact in the eighth inning with a solo home run that increased the Mariners’ lead to 5-3. He then capped off the game with a grand slam during a seven-run ninth inning, marking his eighth multi-home run game of the season. This achievement ties him with Reggie Jackson for the most multi-home run games before the All-Star break in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, according to ESPN Research. Additionally, Raleigh’s performance ties him with Ken Griffey Jr. for the most multi-homer games in Mariners franchise history.
The Mariners have two games remaining before the All-Star break, providing Raleigh with an opportunity to either tie or break Bonds’ record.
Tarik Skubal, who had been enjoying a stellar season, saw his unbeaten streak come to an end. The pitcher, who had a record of 10-0 with a 1.62 ERA over his last 16 starts, allowed four runs on four hits and two walks across five innings while striking out five batters.
On the other side, Luis Castillo earned the win for Seattle, improving his record to 6-5 by surrendering three runs over five innings.
The game began with the Mariners taking an early lead in the third inning. Center fielder Parker Meadows misplayed a sinking liner from Donovan Solano, allowing the ball to roll to the wall for an RBI triple. The Tigers responded in the fourth inning with a single from Zach McKinstry that tied the game.
In the fifth inning, J.P. Crawford delivered a two-out RBI single, putting the Mariners ahead 2-1. Julio Rodríguez followed with a two-run home run that soared over the Mariners’ bullpen in left-center field, extending the lead to 4-1.
The Tigers fought back in the sixth inning with an RBI triple from Riley Greene, leading to a sacrifice fly from Spencer Torkelson that narrowed the gap to 4-2.
Seattle’s powerful offensive display in the final innings sealed their victory, marking a significant moment for Raleigh as he chases a historic record. With two games left before the All-Star break, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if he can achieve this remarkable feat.
