Cal Raleigh's record 42nd homer leads Mariners past Rangers 5-3 on Aug 3, 2025. See the historic swing that secured a vital win for Seattle at T-Mobile Park.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season already filled with memorable moments, Cal Raleigh added another chapter to the history books on Sunday. With one swing of the bat in the seventh inning, the 'Big Dumper' launched his 42nd home run of the year, breaking his own franchise record for a catcher, giving the Mariners a lead they would not relinquish, and securing a vital 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers.
I'm just trying to help the team win every night. The energy in this clubhouse is incredible.
The scene at T-Mobile Park was electric. With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Cal Raleigh stepped to the plate and delivered the decisive blow—a towering two-run shot that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The homer wasn't just a game-winner; it was his 42nd of the season, officially setting a new single-season record for a Mariners catcher. The blast, celebrated across social media with the team's account dubbing him 'the Big Dumper making history in Seattle,' puts Raleigh on a trajectory to challenge the all-time MLB record for a backstop. Manager Scott Servais couldn't say enough about his catcher's leadership, while Raleigh, ever the humble star, simply credited the 'incredible' clubhouse energy in his postgame interview.
While Raleigh's heroics stole the show, the victory was a testament to the entire team's performance. Starter Logan Evans battled through six innings, striking out seven to earn his fifth win of the season (5-4). The bullpen was lights-out once again, with Matt Brash and Gregory Santos providing perfect setup innings before Andrés Muñoz slammed the door for his 29th save. At the top of the lineup, J.P. Crawford was a catalyst, going 2-for-4 with a double and scoring two of Seattle's five runs. It was a complete win that keeps the Mariners at 60-53 and firmly in the AL West hunt.
The good news wasn't limited to Seattle. Down in Triple-A, the Tacoma Rainiers also secured a win, fueled by some of the organization's brightest future stars. Top catching prospect Harry Ford continued his impressive season, blasting his 18th home run and driving in three runs. On the mound, Emerson Hancock was dominant, tossing five shutout innings with six strikeouts. It's a reassuring sign that while the big-league club is competing now, the pipeline of talent is still flowing strong.
With the July 31 trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Mariners' roster is set for the stretch run. The team reported no new transactions, injuries, or roster moves on Sunday. This period of stability is exactly what a contending team wants, allowing the current group to build chemistry and focus solely on the task at hand: winning ballgames and making a deep postseason run.
With this crucial series win against a division rival, the Mariners have momentum on their side. At 60-53, every game matters, and with Cal Raleigh swinging a historic bat and the rest of the team firing on all cylinders, the path to October looks brighter than ever. The M's have their squad, they have their star catcher, and they have their sights set on the playoffs.
