In a thrilling encounter at Angel Stadium, Cal Raleigh made history by becoming the first player to hit 40 home runs this season, delivering a pivotal tiebreaking solo shot in the sixth inning that helped propel the Seattle Mariners to a 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Raleigh’s 416-foot blast off José Fermin marks his second home run in just eight games since triumphing in the recent Home Run Derby.
Adding to the Mariners’ offensive display, Julio Rodríguez hit his fourth solo homer in three games at the venue, further establishing his strong performance. Randy Arozarena also contributed with a home run, marking the fifth consecutive season in which he has achieved at least 20 homers.
On the mound, George Kirby showcased his talent by striking out nine batters over six challenging innings, earning his fourth win in five starts. Despite not matching his previous 14-strikeout performance from last month, he was effective in crucial moments, including a strikeout with the bases loaded to end the sixth inning.
The Angels managed a response with Taylor Ward hitting his 24th home run, but they have struggled recently, losing five of their last six games. Tyler Anderson, another potential trade candidate for the Angels, faced challenges on the mound, allowing six hits and two runs while maintaining a 5.66 ERA over his last four starts.
A key moment in the game occurred when Dominic Canzone delivered a two-run single in the sixth inning following Raleigh’s homer, stretching Seattle’s lead. In another incident, Angels player Yoán Moncada exited the game after being hit in the hand by a pitch from Kirby, but fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures.
With Raleigh now joining an elite group of catchers who have hit 40 homers in a season, this achievement has only been accomplished nine times in Major League history, with legendary players like Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza also reaching this milestone.
As the series concludes, the Mariners look to maintain their momentum with Logan Gilbert on the mound, while Kyle Hendricks is set to pitch for Los Angeles. The Mariners’ recent performances show promise for the remainder of the season, leaving fans hopeful for continued success.