In an exhilarating showdown at Comerica Park, the Seattle Mariners pulled off a remarkable victory against the Detroit Tigers, winning 12-3. This unexpected triumph came despite the Mariners arriving late in the morning after a tough series against the Yankees, where they were swept. Mariners manager Dan Wilson emphasized the importance of mental resilience, stating, “It’s about putting that aside. It’s about leaving that in New York and coming out here and playing a new ball game.”
Leading the charge for the Mariners was Cal Raleigh, who delivered two home runs, further solidifying his position as a key player this season. Raleigh's performance included a grand slam in the ninth inning, marking his 38th home run of the season. This achievement not only moves him into second place for the most home runs before the All-Star break, trailing only Barry Bonds, who hit 39 in 2001, but also sets a new record for the most home runs by an American League player before the break. Raleigh expressed his gratitude for his success, stating, “I guess just very grateful and thankful and trying to stay consistent with what I do.”
In addition to Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez provided a crucial boost to the Mariners’ offense with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, which extended their lead to 4-1. This marked Rodríguez's 12th home run of the season, a much-needed performance as he had struggled with consistency, hitting only two homers in his previous 41 games. His timely hit showcased the power that the Mariners need from their center fielder as they head into the second half of the season.
Before the fireworks from Raleigh and Rodríguez, Donovan Solano sparked the offense with an unexpected RBI triple, taking advantage of a misplay by Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows. Solano’s ability to get on base set the tone for the Mariners, who saw contributions from the bottom of the lineup, with four players combining for six of the team’s 12 runs. Wilson noted, “Up and down the lineup, you can’t really name a guy without seeing a contribution to this game tonight.”
On the mound, Luis Castillo delivered a solid performance, pitching into the sixth inning and matching up against the formidable Tarik Skubal. Despite facing a controversial call that affected his outing, Castillo managed to keep the game competitive, finishing with a strong line. His resilience was complemented by relief pitchers Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier, who combined for three scoreless innings, ensuring the Mariners maintained their lead throughout the game.
This victory not only highlighted the Mariners’ offensive power but also showcased their ability to bounce back from a tough loss. As the season progresses, the Mariners will need to carry this momentum forward, especially with players like Raleigh and Rodríguez stepping up at crucial moments. With their sights set on the playoffs, the Mariners are proving to be a team to watch in the American League.
