The Seattle Mariners extended their red-hot streak on Sunday afternoon with a 6–3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park, powered by another thunderous swing from Cal Raleigh. The Mariners catcher launched his league-leading 45th home run of the season in the first inning, tying Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for the second-most in a single season by a catcher and giving Seattle a jolt of momentum that carried through the rest of the game.

Raleigh’s blast – his 17th of the first inning this year – was a towering shot that cleared the right-field wall in a hurry. It came off Rays starter Zach Eflin, who was tagged for four runs in the opening frame as the Mariners jumped out quickly. Eugenio Suárez followed with a two-run single later in the inning, capping off a fast start for Seattle in front of a jubilant home crowd.

The victory marked the Mariners’ seventh straight win and wrapped up a dominant 9–1 homestand, propelling them deeper into the playoff conversation as August rolls on. With the win, Seattle now sits firmly atop the AL West standings, continuing to build on what has quietly become one of the best runs in franchise history.

Mariners Grinding for Wins

On the mound, Bryan Woo was solid once again, working six innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out nine. The 24-year-old right-hander didn’t have his sharpest stuff early but settled in after a rough fourth inning, in which the Rays cut the deficit to one on a solo home run from Ha-Seong Kim and an RBI single from Randy Arozarena.

Still, Woo battled through trouble and earned his 13th win of the season. “He’s growing before our eyes,” manager Scott Servais said. “He gave us exactly what we needed today. He kept his composure and gave us six strong innings against a tough lineup.”

The bullpen took it from there. After Woo exited, Seattle’s relievers combined for three scoreless innings. Trent Thornton pitched a clean seventh, Andres Muñoz handled the eighth with ease, and Matt Brash shut the door in the ninth to secure the Mariners’ 74th win of the year.

Seattle added key insurance runs late, including a solo homer from Josh Naylor – his 26th of the season – in the bottom of the seventh. Naylor has been a revelation since arriving in a trade earlier this year, giving the Mariners a dependable middle-of-the-order bat behind Raleigh.

The Mariners’ offense, once inconsistent early in the season, has found its stride. Over the past ten games, the team has averaged more than six runs per contest. Raleigh, Naylor, Julio Rodríguez, and J.P. Crawford have all been key contributors during the stretch, and the lineup now looks deeper and more dangerous than it has in years.

The Cal Raleigh Show

But Sunday was all about Cal Raleigh. His 45th home run not only tied a legendary mark – it also served as a reminder of how far he has come since arriving in Seattle. Originally drafted in 2018, Raleigh has blossomed into one of the most feared power hitters in the game. His leadership behind the plate and thunderous bat have made him a fan favorite and a foundational piece for a Mariners team with October dreams.

“Cal’s one of the best catchers in baseball, no question,” Servais said. “He works so hard, handles our pitchers, and continues to deliver big swings when we need them most.”

As the Mariners head out on the road for a six-game trip through New York and Boston, they carry momentum, confidence, and a renewed sense of belief. It’s not just about winning games anymore – it’s about chasing something bigger.