Cal Raleigh's clutch 7th-inning homer lifts the Mariners over the Cubs 5-4 on June 21. See how Big Dumper's heroics secured the win at Wrigley Field.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In the historic confines of Wrigley Field, with the game hanging in the balance, Cal Raleigh did what he does best: he changed the game with one swing. The man they call 'Big Dumper' launched a go-ahead, two-run homer in the seventh inning, silencing the Chicago crowd and powering the Mariners to a gritty 5-4 victory over the Cubs.
Cal Raleigh has homered in four of his last six games and is now slugging .540 on the year.
It's becoming a familiar script for the Seattle Mariners. When the team needs a big hit, Cal Raleigh steps up. With Julio Rodríguez on first after a single in the top of the seventh, Raleigh turned on a pitch and sent it sailing into the bleachers for his 21st homer of the season. The blast not only gave the M's a 5-4 lead but also cemented Raleigh's place among the league's elite, pushing him into the top five of MLB's Hitter Power Rankings. His recent tear is nothing short of incredible, showcasing improved plate discipline and a flair for the dramatic that has become his signature.
While Raleigh's heroics stole the headlines, this was a quintessential Mariners team win. Starter Bryan Woo battled through 5.2 innings, keeping the team in the game. The defense was stellar, highlighted by a spectacular diving stop from J.P. Crawford in the eighth to rob a potential rally. And when the game was on the line, Andrés Muñoz was automatic, shutting the door in the ninth for his 18th save. Contributions came from up and down the lineup, with Julio Rodríguez notching two hits and Randy Arozarena adding a double. The energy was palpable, as seen in Julio's celebratory Instagram post from the clubhouse, a perfect snapshot of a team firing on all cylinders.
The front office is also staying busy. Just before the game, the team recalled right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan from Tacoma, hoping his success against righties can bolster the bullpen. He takes the spot of Gabe Speier, who was optioned. While the big-league club was grinding out a win, the future was also shining brightly down on the farm. No. 7 prospect Michael Arroyo crushed his 14th home run for High-A Everett, continuing a power display that has scouts buzzing. With an OPS now hovering around .950, Arroyo is proving that the next wave of Mariners talent is well on its way.
This was more than just another win to push the Mariners to 44-32; it was a statement. A tough, resilient victory on the road, fueled by their hottest hitter and backed by solid pitching and defense. As they look to take the series from the Cubs tomorrow, the Mariners are playing with a confidence and swagger that has the rest of the league on notice. With stars delivering in the clutch and a farm system churning out talent, it's a great time to be a Mariners fan.
