Cal Raleigh hit his 28th HR, but George Kirby struggled as the Mariners lost 3-1 to the Cubs on June 20. Read how Seattle's early lead vanished at Wrigley.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a start that couldn't have been scripted better, and an ending that felt all too familiar. Cal Raleigh wasted no time on Friday at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, launching his MLB-leading 28th home run in the first inning. But the early optimism vanished just as quickly, as a rare implosion from starter George Kirby put the Mariners in a hole they couldn't escape, leading to a frustrating 3-1 series-opening loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Catcher Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 28th home run of the season, a 381-foot blast that solidifies his place in the early MVP conversation.
Let's start with the undisputed bright spot: Cal Raleigh is playing on another planet right now. His first-inning solo shot off Cubs starter Matt Boyd was a no-doubter, a 381-foot missile to center field that left the bat at 98.4 mph. The blast not only gave Seattle an early lead but also padded his lead for the most home runs in all of baseball. With 28 dingers before the All-Star break, 'Big Dumper' isn't just the best power-hitting catcher in the game; he's making a legitimate case for American League MVP. Every at-bat is must-see TV, a welcome and thrilling development in a season that has had its share of offensive frustrations.
Unfortunately, the lead from Raleigh's homer was short-lived. Ace George Kirby had one of his worst outings as a Mariner, lasting only a single inning. The Cubs answered immediately, with Ian Happ matching Cal's solo homer before Michael Busch delivered the decisive blow, a two-run single. Kirby was tagged for three earned runs on four hits and was pulled after the first frame. The Mariners' bats went silent after Raleigh's shot, unable to muster any further offense and sealing the team's fate in a disappointing loss.
While the loss stings, the front office is actively working to shore up the roster. The team called up right-handed pitcher Zach Pop from Triple-A Tacoma to add a fresh arm to the bullpen, optioning Logan Evans in a corresponding move. More significant help is nearing. First baseman Luke Raley, out since late April with an oblique strain, is crushing his rehab assignment, hitting a home run for the Tacoma Rainiers on Tuesday. He could be back in the lineup as soon as this weekend. Meanwhile, injured starter Bryce Miller received a PRP injection for his elbow inflammation, a positive step that avoids surgery and puts him on track for a return after the All-Star break.
Looking further into the future, the Mariners' system has its own power surge to celebrate. No. 7 prospect Michael Arroyo is on an absolute tear for the High-A Everett AquaSox. He blasted his 14th home run of the season, marking his fourth homer in just the last three games. Arroyo's rapid development and impressive power display are turning heads and providing a jolt of excitement for the future of the Mariners' infield.
Friday's loss at Wrigley was a classic 'one step forward, two steps back' kind of game. Cal Raleigh's historic season is a joy to watch, but the team needs more consistent contributions from the rest of the lineup and the pitching staff. With key players like Luke Raley and Bryce Miller on the mend and prospects like Michael Arroyo lighting it up in the minors, the pieces for a second-half run are there. Now, it's time to flush this tough loss and come back tomorrow ready to even the series against the Cubs.
