On Thursday night in Seattle, Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 42nd home run to set a new record for switch-hitting catchers, helping the Mariners defeat the Texas Rangers 6-0. Rookie pitcher Cole Young also contributed with a strong six-inning performance while adding his third home run of the season.
Historic Home Run and Offensive Highlights Fuel Mariners
Raleigh’s record-breaking homer came in the fifth inning, two batters after Young’s third home run, extending Seattle’s lead to 3-0. Eguenio Suárez, returning to the Mariners’ lineup after his recent acquisition from Arizona, doubled against Rangers starter Kumar Rocker in the fourth inning and later scored on a wild pitch to open the Mariners’ scoring.
J.P. Crawford added a run-scoring single in the sixth inning, followed by Young tripling in another run and then scoring on a passed ball. Seattle’s offense focused on timely hitting throughout the game, increasing their lead steadily against Texas.
Strong Pitching Performance and Key Defensive Moments
Starting pitcher Kirby allowed just three hits, walked two, and struck out six across several innings, improving his record to 6-5. Caleb Ferguson, recently acquired from Pittsburgh, impressed with a perfect seventh inning in his Mariners debut. After Trent Thornton left the game in the ninth due to an apparent leg injury, reliever Casey Legumina closed out the shutout, completing a four-hit effort.
Texas Rangers starter Kumar Rocker struggled to contain the Mariners, allowing three runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Rangers were also missing third baseman Josh Jung due to left calf soreness.
Critical Moments Under Pressure
Seattle’s Kirby faced a crucial situation in the sixth inning when the Rangers threatened to tie the game with runners on second and third and two outs. He secured the out by inducing Adolis Garcia to fly out, preserving the Mariners’ lead.
Record-Breaking Feat by Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh surpassed Todd Hundley’s 1996 milestone, setting a new single-season record for home runs by a switch-hitting catcher with his 42nd long ball. Hundley had set the previous mark with 41 homers for the New York Mets.
Upcoming Matchup Between Mariners and Rangers
The Mariners will face the Rangers again on Friday, with Texas’ right-hander Jack Leiter (7-6, 4.09 ERA) set to pitch against Seattle’s Logan Gilbert (3-4, 3.36 ERA).
“Raleigh set the single-season record for home runs by a switch-hitting catcher, passing Todd Hundley’s previous mark of 41 for the New York Mets in 1996.”
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