Cal Raleigh's 32nd HR powered the Mariners to a 5-4 win over the Twins on June 25. See how the MVP candidate's historic season continued in this thriller.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some players have a great season. Cal Raleigh is having a legendary one. The Seattle Mariners' superstar catcher continued his MVP-caliber campaign on Wednesday, launching his 32nd home run as the centerpiece of a gritty 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins. In a game defined by a single explosive inning and clutch hitting, it was once again Raleigh who provided the thunder, reminding everyone that this Mariners team has power, perseverance, and a flair for the dramatic.
We're running out of superlatives for him.
It's time to talk about Cal Raleigh not just as an All-Star, but as a legitimate MVP candidate. His home run against the Twins was his 32nd of the season, a pace that puts him in historic company for a catcher. The performance comes as no surprise to his teammates. 'We're running out of superlatives for him,' pitcher Bryan Woo said, echoing the sentiment of the entire clubhouse. Even Julio Rodríguez admits Raleigh's presence has changed his own approach at the plate, focusing on being the 'best possible setup man' for the slugger behind him. With Raleigh now leading all catchers in the latest All-Star ballot update, it's clear the fans agree: they're witnessing greatness.
While Raleigh's blast was the highlight, the victory was forged in a single, decisive frame. After a quiet start, the Mariners' offense erupted for five runs in the third inning. Julio Rodríguez got the rally started with a sacrifice fly, setting the table for the onslaught. The inning featured key hits, including a clutch knock from the resurgent Donovan Solano and was capped by Raleigh's mammoth shot. George Kirby was solid on the mound, pitching 5.2 innings with seven strikeouts to keep the Twins at bay. Crucially, after Minnesota tied the game late, it was Julio who again played the hero, driving in the go-ahead run with another sacrifice fly to secure the 5-4 win.
A major key to the Mariners' recent success has been the resurgence of veteran Donovan Solano. After struggling to find his rhythm early in the season, 'Donnie Barrels' has been on a tear, and his key hit during the five-run third inning was another example of his renewed confidence. His secret? Simple perseverance. 'I never quit,' Solano stated, a motto that seems to have permeated the entire clubhouse. The team is getting contributions from everywhere, with catcher Blake Hunt also having a standout game, going 3-for-5 with a double. This depth is turning a good team into a dangerous one.
The Mariners improve to 39-37, holding down second place in the AL West, and this win felt like more than just another notch in the column. It was a statement. With Raleigh playing at a historic level, Julio delivering in the clutch, and veterans like Solano finding their form, this team has the look of a true contender. As the All-Star break approaches, the M's are not just winning games; they're building the kind of momentum that could lead to a very memorable second half.
