Mariners sweep the Tigers in a July 2025 series, scoring 35 runs. Cal Raleigh's historic 38th HR leads the charge in a statement win before the All-Star break.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There are hot streaks, and then there's what the Seattle Mariners just did to the best team in baseball. As the league pauses for a much-needed breath on this Monday, Mariners fans are still buzzing from a weekend that felt like a statement of intent. Sweeping the MLB-leading Detroit Tigers wasn't just a win; it was an annihilation, a 35-run declaration that this team is a legitimate contender.
Cal Raleigh reached 38 home runs before the All-Star break, setting an AL record for catchers and coming within one of Barry Bonds' all-time pre-break mark.
The Mariners didn't just beat the Tigers; they dismantled them. Sunday's 8-4 victory capped a three-game series where Seattle's offense exploded for 35 runs, their most in a three-game set since the legendary 2002 season. The exclamation point came in the ninth inning, with back-to-back home runs from Jorge Polanco and Cole Young sealing the deal and sending the T-Mobile Park faithful into a frenzy. It was a dominant performance against the team with the best record in baseball, signaling that Seattle is ready to compete with anyone.
At the heart of this offensive juggernaut is Cal Raleigh, who is having a season for the ages. With his latest blast, 'Big Dumper' now has a staggering 38 home runs before the All-Star break. That's not just good; it's historic. He shattered the American League record for home runs by a catcher before the break and now sits just one shy of the all-time pre-break mark of 39, set by none other than Barry Bonds. Every at-bat has become must-see TV as Cal chases history.
While the big-league club was making noise, the front office was busy securing the future. On Monday, the Mariners used their first-round competitive balance pick (No. 35 overall) to select University of North Carolina catcher Luke Stevenson. Known for his polished defensive skills and advanced approach at the plate, Stevenson looks like the heir apparent behind the plate. It's a savvy move that ensures the team's current success is built to last, reinforcing a position of strength for years to come.
So, as the M's enjoy a well-deserved day off, the focus shifts to the Midsummer Classic. For the first time since 2003, Seattle is sending a formidable five-man contingent to the All-Star Game. It's a chance to see our guys shine on the national stage before they return to continue this incredible journey. The first half was a thrill ride, but with this momentum, the second half promises to be even better.
