Cal Raleigh, Major League Baseball’s current home-run leader, smashed his 43rd homer of the season on Friday night at T-Mobile Park, giving the Seattle Mariners a dramatic late lead over the Tampa Bay Rays. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and two runners on base, Raleigh delivered a towering 417-foot home run off Rays reliever <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/griffin-jax/”>Griffin Jax, turning the game in favor of the Mariners.
Details of the Game-Changing Blast and Unforgettable Moment
Facing Jax with a 2-0 count, Raleigh connected on an 87-mph sweeping pitch low in the strike zone, sending the ball soaring deep into center field. As the ball cleared the fence, Jax raised his arm, seemingly signaling his defense, which turned into a comical moment given that the ball was clearly out of reach. Although it appeared Jax’s gesture was instinctive, he quickly realized the home run was a game-altering blow.
The Mariners’ powerful three-run home run helped them take the lead late, ultimately contributing to a 3-2 loss for the Rays. Following the game, Jax admitted that putting himself behind in the count against a top hitter like Raleigh put him at a disadvantage.
“There’s a reason he’s having a really good year,”
Jax said postgame via MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer.
“He’s a really good hitter. I’ve had a couple at-bats against him this year that have gone my way, so he’s seen me now three or four times. When I put myself in a hole 2-0, good hitters do that.”
—Griffin Jax, Rays reliever
Raleigh Extends Home Run Lead, Outpacing AL Competitors
Raleigh’s 43rd homer extended his lead over National League slugger Kyle Schwarber, who has 41 homers this season. In the American League, Raleigh’s closest challengers are his Mariners teammate Eugenio Suárez and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, each with 37 home runs. Known for his consistent power, Raleigh continues to reinforce his standing as one of MLB’s premier hitters.
Significance of Raleigh’s Performance for Mariners and MLB Season
This pivotal home run not only highlighted Raleigh’s clutch hitting in critical moments but also provided a late boost for the Mariners in a tightly contested game against the Rays. His ability to deliver under pressure exemplifies why he leads the league in home runs and remains a key asset for Seattle’s lineup. As the season progresses, Raleigh’s consistent power hitting is likely to influence the Mariners’ playoff aspirations and impact the AL home run race.