Kansas City, Mo. — In a thrilling display of power hitting, Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone led the charge for the Seattle Mariners, who defeated the struggling Kansas City Royals 12-5 on Tuesday night. This victory marked the Mariners' impressive 10th consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the AL West. The night was filled with record-breaking moments, particularly for Raleigh, who matched the season home run record previously set by the legendary Ken Griffey Jr..
Cal Raleigh showcased his exceptional talent by hitting two home runs during the game. His first homer, a remarkable 419-foot shot off pitcher Michael Wacha while batting left-handed, brought his season total to 55. This achievement not only broke the long-standing record for a switch-hitter set by Yankees icon Mickey Mantle in 1961 but also highlighted Raleigh's status as one of the league's premier catchers.
Raleigh's second home run was equally impressive—a 425-footer off Daniel Lynch IV while batting right-handed. This homer tied the club record for home runs in a season that Griffey set during the 1997 season and later matched in 1998. This game was Raleigh's 10th multi-homer game of the season and the 20th of his career. Additionally, the All-Star catcher contributed with a double in the first inning, finishing the night with a stellar performance of 3 for 5 and three RBIs, bringing his total RBIs for the year to 118.
Dominic Canzone also had a night to remember, hitting a career-best three home runs. He launched homers in the second, fifth, and ninth innings, capitalizing on the warm, humid conditions that allowed balls to fly out of the spacious Kauffman Stadium. Canzone's offensive prowess was complemented by a pair of singles, culminating in an impressive 5 for 5 night at the plate, along with four RBIs.
On the Kansas City side, rookie Carter Jensen made headlines by hitting the first two home runs of his major league career. Although he nearly secured a third homer, his long fly ball in the eighth inning bounced off the right-field wall for a double. Jensen's performance provided a bright spot for the Royals amidst a challenging season.
On the mound, Logan Gilbert (5-6) delivered a solid performance for Seattle, allowing two runs on six hits over 5 ²/₃ innings while striking out five batters. The 28-year-old right-hander has been in excellent form, allowing a mere seven earned runs across his last five starts, including a strong outing against the Royals in June.
In contrast, Michael Wacha (9-12), who returned after a brief stint on the seven-day concussion list, struggled significantly. He allowed a season-high seven runs on nine hits over just 2 ²/₃ innings, further complicating the Royals' efforts to bounce back in this matchup.
With this victory, the Seattle Mariners not only extended their winning streak but also celebrated historic achievements from their star players. As the season progresses, fans will eagerly watch to see how Raleigh and Canzone continue to perform, while the Royals will look to regroup and find their footing in the games ahead.
