Cal Raleigh sets an MLB record, but the Mariners fall to the Cubs 10-7 on June 21. See how Raleigh's historic 30th homer was overshadowed by a Cubs power surge.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of conflicting emotions for Mariners fans. On one hand, history was made as Cal Raleigh launched his 30th home run, setting a new MLB record. On the other, the celebration was muted by a barrage of Cubs homers in a tough 10-7 loss at the Friendly Confines. It's a classic Mariners story: a moment of pure brilliance wrapped inside a frustrating defeat.
Cal Raleigh's 30th home run of the season broke the MLB record for most homers by a switch-hitter before the All-Star break, surpassing legends like Mickey Mantle.
Let's start with the good, because it's historically good. When Cal Raleigh stepped to the plate, his 30th long ball of the year wasn't just another 'Big Dumper' blast; it etched his name in the record books. With that swing, he surpassed icons like Mickey Mantle, José Ramírez, and Lance Berkman for the most home runs by a switch-hitter before the All-Star break. It's an incredible achievement that cements Raleigh not just as the heart of this Mariners lineup, but as one of the premier power threats in the entire league. His consistent power has been the engine for this team, and today was a well-deserved moment in the national spotlight.
Unfortunately, Raleigh's homer was one of the few bright spots in a game dominated by the long ball—mostly from the other side. The Chicago Cubs launched five home runs of their own, turning Wrigley Field into a launching pad. Ian Happ did the most damage with two homers and 4 RBI. Starter Logan Gilbert had a rare off day, getting tagged for seven runs in just 3.2 innings, an outing he'll surely want to forget. The Mariners' offense didn't go quietly, mounting a four-run rally in the fifth inning, sparked by a two-run single from the newly returned Luke Raley and an RBI from Donovan Solano. But the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
The game also marked a significant roster change. Outfielder Luke Raley was activated from the 10-day injured list and immediately made an impact, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. His left-handed bat was a welcome sight. To make room, the Mariners designated veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment. While Tellez brought a great presence to the clubhouse, he struggled to find a rhythm at the plate. The move signals the front office's commitment to maximizing offensive production as the team pushes through the summer, prioritizing Raley's potential impact over Tellez's veteran status.
While the loss stings, the day wasn't a total wash. Raleigh's historic achievement is a massive win for the franchise, and getting Raley's bat back in the lineup is crucial. The key now is to flush this game, get a bounce-back performance from the pitching staff tomorrow, and try to salvage the series in Chicago. One tough game doesn't define a season, but how the team responds to it will tell us a lot about their resilience.
