In an exciting turn of events, Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh is making headlines as he challenges Aaron Judge in more ways than one. On Wednesday night, Raleigh showcased his remarkable talent by hitting two home runs, marking his 59th and 60th of the season. This impressive performance played a crucial role in the Mariners' decisive 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, securing the American League West division title.
The two-homer game not only brings Raleigh closer to the competitive AL MVP race but also sets the stage for a thrilling chase to break Judge's American League home run record of 62. Following the game, an elated Raleigh expressed his disbelief, stating, “It’s crazy. 60 is — I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know if I was going to hit 60 in my life. Just tonight, what a way to do it.” With just two home runs needed to tie the record, the spotlight is now on Raleigh as he approaches the final stretch of the season.
To surpass Judge's illustrious record, Raleigh must hit three home runs in the remaining four games. The challenge is formidable, especially considering Judge himself has accumulated an impressive total of 51 home runs this season, achieving the milestone of surpassing 50 for the fourth time in his remarkable career. As the pressure builds, all eyes will be on Raleigh to see if he can achieve this historic feat.
As the Mariners aim for the playoffs, they find themselves in a strategic position. Currently, Seattle is eyeing the possibility of overtaking either the Yankees or Blue Jays, who are tied for the AL East lead, for the No. 1 seed in the American League. Additionally, the Mariners hold a three-game lead over the Guardians for the coveted No. 2 seed. However, with Raleigh having played 155 games this season—120 as catcher and 35 as designated hitter—there could be a case for resting him to ensure optimal performance as the playoffs approach.
It's worth noting that the Mariners are the only team in Major League Baseball that has never made it to a World Series. This fact heightens the stakes for both Raleigh and the entire team as they aim to change their fortunes this season. With the home run record within reach and a playoff berth on the line, the Mariners are poised for an exhilarating conclusion to the season.
As the drama unfolds, baseball fans around the world are eagerly anticipating whether Cal Raleigh can surpass Aaron Judge’s record and lead the Mariners to an unprecedented championship run.
