Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ powerhouse catcher, extended his MLB-lead with his 58th home run Sunday night—another milestone to add to what’s turning into a historic season. That blast came in the second inning off Jason Alexander, putting the Mariners up big against the Houston Astros. Together with a grand slam by J.P. Crawford earlier in the inning, Seattle built a lead they’d ride to a 7-3 win, completing a crucial three-game sweep in Houston.
It wasn’t just the home run that mattered—it was the timing. With just six games left in the regular season, this sweep gives Seattle a three-game cushion in the American League West over Houston, making each remaining opponent a high stakes affair.
“Wasn’t satisfied after one win or two wins, and we finished the job,” Raleigh said, reflecting the team’s focus down the stretch. For Raleigh, the 58th homer isn’t just a number—it’s part of several records he’s shattered: Mariners single‐season home run leader, most home runs by a catcher in a season, and the most by a switch hitter this year. Fans are now wondering how high he can raise that total—and whether it’ll push into panels of all-time great seasons by catchers.