Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh believes All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz revealed his pitch choices during a crucial ninth inning on Thursday night in New York, which helped the Yankees erase a two-run lead. The incident occurred in the Mariners’ matchup against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, where Muñoz surrendered the lead despite the team’s strong pitching earlier in the game.
Details of the Ninth-Inning Breakdown and Yankees’ Comeback
Muñoz, who recorded his sixth blown save in 27 attempts this season, entered the ninth inning with the Mariners ahead 5-3 after starter Bryan Woo kept the Yankees hitless through seven innings. The inning began shakily when Trent Grisham singled, followed by a one-out single from Cody Bellinger. After Ben Rice worked a walk from an 0-2 count to load the bases with two outs, trouble grew for Muñoz.
As Austin Wells stepped to the plate, Bellinger gestured while standing on second base, seemingly signaling Muñoz’s slider. Wells appeared to recognize this and took a low changeup for ball three, then capitalized on a fastball in a full count by hitting a two-run single to right field that tied the game.
Raleigh’s Concerns Over Opponents Reading Muñoz’s Pitches
Raleigh was frank about the situation, pointing out that Muñoz was
“tipping every time (with a runner) on second base.”
He added that the signs were not subtle and that the Mariners will need to be more aware of this in future matchups.
“He was tipping every time (with a runner) on second base,”
Cal Raleigh said.
“You try to do the most you can without trying to distract him from what is happening at the plate. So that’s something that’ll we’ll have to figure out the next couple of days, for sure.”
Manager Dan Wilson’s Take on Muñoz’s Performance
Seattle’s manager Dan Wilson disagreed with the assessment that Muñoz was tipping pitches, attributing the collapse to difficult pitch counts instead. He emphasized that the Yankees took advantage of challenging situations rather than any mistakes by the closer.
“I don’t think that’s the case,”
Wilson said.
“Just, I think we got ourselves into some tough counts and they took advantage of it.”
Austin Wells Reflects on His Key Hit in the Ninth
Wells, who was the sixth batter in the inning and faced 23 pitches from Muñoz during that frame, credited his confidence to the work of his teammates at the plate before him. His timely two-run single extended the Yankees’ hope and helped spark the comeback.
“I had five great at-bats before me to let me get up there and those guys kind of gave me a lot of confidence to trust I was going to get a pitch to hit,”
Wells said.
Yankees Complete Historic Rally to Win in Extra Innings
The Yankees capped their improbable rally with Anthony Volpe scoring the winning run in the 10th inning, sliding acrobatically on a sacrifice fly hit by Aaron Judge. This victory was notable as the Yankees became the first team since the 1977 Pittsburgh Pirates to win after being no-hit and trailing by five runs through seven innings.
“We couldn’t get much going against Woo, but this team has a lot of fight,”
Judge remarked. “I’m glad Volpe’s fast.”
Giancarlo Stanton’s Pinch-Hit Home Run Sparks Momentum
Key to the Yankees’ climb was a pinch-hit homer by Giancarlo Stanton off Matt Brash in the eighth inning, providing a crucial spark that broke the Mariners’ no-hit bid. Wells described the game overall as an exciting experience.
“It was a lot of fun,”
Wells said.
Implications of the Game for Mariners and Yankees Moving Forward
This loss highlights the challenge the Mariners face in tightening their closing game and maintaining composure under pressure, especially with concerns over Muñoz’s pitch concealment. For the Yankees, the rally demonstrates resilience and the ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Both teams will likely adjust their strategies as the season progresses, with the Mariners needing to avoid tipping pitches and the Yankees building on this momentum.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. The nickname “Big Dumper” for Raleigh, referring to his backside, was famously used by his ex-teammate Jarred Kelenic. Kelenic began using it in 2020 and tweeted it in 2021 after Raleigh joined the Mariners. Raleigh’s mother said she doesn’t like the nickname, but she values the support fans give her son.
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. JT Realmuto of the Phillies has a contract worth $115.5 million from 2021 to 2025. Cal Raleigh with the Mariners has a deal valued at $105 million from 2025 to 2030.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. Before this season, Raleigh was considered one of baseball’s top catchers and an underappreciated star. This year, he’s improved even more, achieving a .281/.386/.667 batting average. He also leads the league with 69 RBIs and has started in 76 of the Mariners’ first 78 games.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh make?
A. The Mariners made a great deal by signing Cal Raleigh, considered MLB’s top catcher, to a $105 million contract.