Cal Raleigh's 39th HR and Logan Gilbert's gem led the Mariners to a 3-0 shutout win over the Brewers on July 23. See how Raleigh is chasing history.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Seattle Mariners delivered a masterclass in complementary baseball on Wednesday night, shutting out the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 in a game that had T-Mobile Park buzzing. Powered by Cal Raleigh's MLB-leading 39th home run and a dominant seven-inning performance from Logan Gilbert, the M's showcased exactly why they are a formidable force in the American League playoff picture. The return of a healthy Julio Rodríguez only added to the dominant display, making it a perfect night in the Pacific Northwest.
We're playing with a lot of confidence right now, and every win matters in this playoff race.
All eyes are on Cal Raleigh, and for good reason. The man they call 'Big Dumper' launched another moonshot into the Seattle night, his 39th of the year, to give him sole possession of the Major League home run lead. The solo blast provided crucial insurance and sent the Mariners' social media into a frenzy with the simple, perfect caption: 'Big Dumper does it again!' But it's not just about leading the league; it's about chasing a legend. Raleigh is now knocking on the door of history, sitting just three home runs shy of Ken Griffey Jr.'s single-season franchise record of 42 set in 1997. With a career-best .255 average and a team-leading 83 RBIs, Raleigh is proving he's one of the most valuable catchers in the game.
While Raleigh's homer will grab the headlines, Logan Gilbert was the undisputed star of the show. The lanky right-hander was simply untouchable, carving up the Brewers lineup for seven shutout innings. Allowing just three hits while striking out eight, Gilbert put the team on his back and set the tone for the entire evening. He was efficient, dominant, and in total control. Andrés Muñoz slammed the door in the ninth for his 27th save, but the night belonged to 'Walter,' who delivered the kind of ace-level performance that wins championships.
The Mariners lineup received a massive boost with the return of Julio Rodríguez, who missed two games with a sore wrist. While he went 1-for-4 at the plate, his real impact was felt on defense. In the fifth inning, Julio unleashed a laser from center field to nail a runner at third, erasing a potential scoring threat and preserving the shutout. As manager Dan Wilson noted postgame, 'Julio's presence in center field changes the game for us.' The defense was stellar all around, punctuated by a critical inning-ending double play turned by J.P. Crawford in the seventh that neutralized Milwaukee's biggest threat.
While the trade deadline approaches, the Mariners' biggest reinforcements might come from within. Top pitching prospect Emerson Hancock is making a strong case for a late-season call-up, putting on a clinic for the Tacoma Rainiers on Wednesday. Hancock struck out 10 batters over six innings of one-run ball, lowering his AAA ERA to a sparkling 3.21. With the starting rotation already looking formidable, adding a fresh, talented arm like Hancock for the stretch run could be a game-changer for a team with serious October aspirations.
This was more than just another July win; it was a statement. With pitching, power, and defense all clicking in unison, the Mariners demonstrated the complete formula needed to make a deep postseason run. As the playoff race intensifies, every game feels like a must-win, and with Cal Raleigh chasing history and the pitching staff dealing, Seattle is proving they have the resilience and talent to answer the call. The confidence is high, and the mission is clear: keep this momentum rolling.
