Mariners rally for late 3-2 win versus Rays courtesy of Cal Raleigh

Ichiro weekend begins in fine fashion for the Seattle Mariners, thanks to Cal Raleigh’s Major League-leading 43rd home run of the season.

When a team goes on an extended winning run it comes down to a combination of factors, including hard work, talent, mental fortitude and just pure good luck. Any and all of those factors came into play for the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, in the opener of a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

While the Rays entered the game with a losing record including 25-29 on the road, they figured to provide a tough challenge in large part due to their three scheduled starters all having sub-3.00 ERAs. And for one contest at least this held true, as Drew Rasmussen threw 6.0 scoreless innings which saw him allow just four hits and no walks, while also striking out four.

Luis Castillo had a fine evening himself as he went 7.0 strong innings and only gave up five hits, while walking no one and also registering five Ks of his own. However, he did allow two solo home runs in the top of the first and sixth, which left the Mariners trailing 2-0 through seven innings.

Cal Raleigh steps up for the Mariners

This set the stage for a moment of theatre and drama, as Cal Raleigh came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth with two runners on base but also two outs. The M’s clubhouse leader has been in a concerning slump to begin August and entered the at-bat having gone 0-for-3 on the night with one strikeout.

Not that the 39,780 in attendance at T-Mobile Park wasn’t behind Raleigh, as they serenaded him with MVP chants throughout his crucial at-bat. And wouldn’t you know it that he responded in style, crushing the ball out over right-center field for the go-ahead three-run homer and the Mariners’ first lead of the night.

The 2025 All-Star may or may not end up winning the AL MVP this year, but it doesn’t change the reality he’s enjoying a special season with him now leading the majors with 43 home runs. He’s also second with 93 RBI, just two behind Kyle Schwarber league-leading 95.

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Cal Raleigh discusses his game-winning hit

Raleigh spoke to the media afterwards about the importance of coming up clutch in such a big moment of the game. As per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, he said:

“That was a sweet, go-ahead homer and a big spot. Those are the games you look back at the end of the year and you’re like, ‘That was a big one.'”

The 2024 Platinum Glove Award winner also discussed the challenges of facing reliever Griffin Jax and how he approached this particular at-bat against his old adversary. He said:

“I was thinking fastball, just trying to shift my sights a little bit because you want to be able to make a competitive offering at the offspeed. So, still staying on the fastball, and then just adjusting from there. Like I said, he’s a tough pitcher, and he throws upper nines, which makes it a little harder.”

Mariners manager Dan Wilson usually remains positive and supportive of his players even when things are not going well, so it was easy for him to give Raleigh his kudos on this particular occasion. He said:

“For him to be able to just stay locked in and pick up that kind of a home run right there, that’s a clutch at-bat. That’s a clutch home run.”

A complete team effort by the Mariners

Following Raleigh’s dramatics, the Mariners turned the ball over to Matt Brash to complete the job and he came through clincally in the top of the ninth. Brash pitched a clean inning with three consecutive strikeouts, to secure his second save and a 3-2 win for the M’s.

Aside from Raleigh’s big hit, Wilson was just delighted with the effort of his players full stop. He said:

“An incredible ballgame tonight. You can’t script it any better than that. Just an outstanding job top to bottom.”

The Mariners are now 7-1 since the trade deadline and sitting at a season-high 11 games over .500 with a 64-53 record. They remain 1.5 games back of the Houston Astros at the top of the AL West, while also maintaining a 3.0 game advantage when it comes to claiming a wild card spot.

Logan Evans will take the mound on Saturday evening as the M’s look to clinch this series. The night will also be special one, as Ichiro Suzuki’s jersey retirement ceremony will take place prior to the game.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

What’s your prediction for Raleigh’s final home run haul this season? At least 50, catching Ken Griffey Jr.’s club record of 56, or even reaching/surpassing Aaron Judge’s AL mark of 62? Let us know in the comments section below.