Cal Raleigh dominated the game with two home runs against the Cubs, driving the Seattle Mariners to a 9-4 victory on June 20, 2025. His clutch hitting included a 28th and 29th homer of the season, a walk that helped spark a rally, and a key single that ignited a three-run ninth inning to seal the win.

Early Scoring and a Competitive First Inning

The game began intensely with Raleigh hitting a two-out home run in the first inning, giving the Mariners an early lead. However, the Cubs answered quickly, with Ian Happ launching a leadoff home run in the bottom half, marking his second homer in as many days. The Cubs then put more pressure on Mariners’ starter George Kirby when Kyle Tucker singled and Seiya Suzuki doubled him to third. Michael Busch followed with a two-run single, allowing the Cubs to take a 3-1 lead briefly before the Mariners fought back.

Mariners Narrow the Gap Before Midgame

Seattle closed the score to 3-2 in the fourth inning after Raleigh drew a walk and Donovan Solano brought in a run with a timely single. Mariners pitcher Matthew Boyd faced issues with control, issuing walks that set up the scoring opportunity. Despite trouble, Boyd made a remarkable catch on a line drive in the fifth inning, demonstrating his defensive skills before being removed from the game due to injury.

Matthew Boyd’s Injury and Manager Craig Counsell’s Decision

After the fifth inning, Matthew Boyd did not return due to swelling and bruising on his left shoulder caused by contact with his glove. Manager Craig Counsell explained the move, addressing the shoulder inflammation and Boyd’s discomfort during the game. This decision sparked some criticism, but medical staff had managed the injury effectively.

“After this play, Matthew Boyd did not come out for the 6th. Craig Counsell said Boyd was dealing with swelling and a bruise on his left shoulder from the glove hitting it. Boyd said it tightened up on him but the staff did a good job of getting inflammation out. He doesn’t see…” —Elise Menaker

Cubs Respond with Home Runs of Their Own

The Cubs remained competitive, with Reese McGuire hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning to push the score to 4-2. The Cubs bullpen, typically reliable throughout the season, experienced difficulties in this game, highlighted by Ryan Pressly’s shaky inning. Pressly retired two batters but then allowed four consecutive baserunners, including a tying home run by Mitch Garver, which leveled the game at 4-4.

Cal Raleigh Breaks the Tie with Historic Home Run

Reliever Caleb Thielbar took over for Pressly, and Raleigh wasted no time, smashing a two-run homer that put the Mariners ahead 6-4. That homer was Raleigh’s 29th of the season, surpassing Johnny Bench’s mark of 28 home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, setting a new record with several weeks remaining before the break.

Final Innings and Cubs’ Struggles in Clutch Situation

Though the Cubs had a chance to come back in the ninth inning, Génesis Cabrera struggled, allowing two singles and a second home run by Garver, who came into the game with a .205 batting average and only one home run in 112 at-bats. Cabrera’s recent performance has been disappointing, having pitched 56 pitches over two days with a high ERA of 9.64 and four home runs allowed in just over nine innings.

The Cubs appear likely to designate Cabrera for assignment soon and consider recalling Gavin Hollowell or Tom Cosgrove, both of whom have minor league options. This move is expected to coincide with the activation of Shōta Imanaga from his rehab stint in Triple-A Iowa, potentially returning to the mound next week.

Breaking the Cubs’ Winning Streak with a Two-Run Lead

The Mariners’ victory ended the Cubs’ remarkable streak of 29 consecutive wins in games where they led by at least two runs at any point. Despite the setback, the Cubs are expected to regroup and start a new streak in their next outing.

Until today, the Cubs had won 29 consecutive games in which they had led by at least two runs at any point.

Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward

Cal Raleigh’s breakout game highlights his critical role in the Mariners’ lineup and his pursuit of all-star recognition. The Cubs, meanwhile, face decisions on bullpen management, particularly with Cabrera’s struggles and the looming return of Imanaga. Seattle’s victory showcases the impact of clutch hitting and resilience, while Chicago looks to regain stability in their pitching staff to remain competitive in the season’s stretch.