Cal Raleigh’s Historic Feat Sparks Mariners’ Stunning AL West Takeover—What It Means for the Playoff Race

Wow. Just wow. Cal Raleigh has etched his name right alongside Mickey Mantle’s legend by launching his 54th home run of the season as a switch hitter—talk about making history! And while Raleigh is busy rewriting the record books, the Seattle Mariners aren’t just celebrating a solo feat; they’ve been lighting up the scoreboard themselves, ripping through the Los Angeles Angels 11-2 to claim first place in the AL West, a spot they haven’t dominated alone since June. Man, this nine-game winning streak feels electric — the kind of momentum that sends chills down a fan’s spine. George Kirby, the maestro on the mound, notched 14 strikeouts, tying his personal best and helping the Mariners sweep the Angels in four games. Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco keeps hitting doubles like it’s his day job, extending a club record streak. For Seattle, sitting atop the division is more than just numbers, it’s a statement — their best run since a sizzling stretch back in mid-2022. The season’s turning, the grind paying off, and witnessing this surge — well, it’s nothing short of thrilling. LEARN MORE

SEATTLE — Cal Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle’s season record for most home runs by a switch hitter with his 54th, and the Seattle Mariners extended their winning streak to nine by routing the Los Angeles Angels 11-2 Sunday to take sole possession of the AL West lead for the first time since June.

George Kirby matched his career high with 14 strikeouts as the Mariners completed a four-game sweep and won for the 20th time in their last 23 home games.

Jorge Polanco had three doubles and has doubles in seven straight games, tying the Mariners record.

Seattle (82-68) moved one game ahead of Houston (81-69) at the top of the division, winning nine in a row for the first time since a 14-game streak from July 2-17, 2022, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Mariners had not been alone in first place since before play on June 3.

Kirby (9-7) allowed two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings, walking none and leaving after 101 pitches. He also struck out 14 Angels on June 8 in Los Angeles.

Batting left-handed in the first inning, Raleigh had a first-pitch homer to left-center off Kyle Hendricks for a 2-0 lead. Mantle hit his 54 homers for the 1961 New York Yankees. Raleigh’s homer was his record-setting 43rd homer this season as a catcher, one more than Atlanta’s Javy López in 2003.

Hendricks (7-10) gave up nine runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Mariners third baseman Yoán Moncada left in the middle of the fifth inning because of a sore left ankle.

Christian Moore and Oswald Peraza hit solo homers for the Angels. Denzer Guzmán got his first two big league hits.

Raleigh’s homer.

Kirby had his 36th outing of no walks in six or more innings.

Angels: RHP Caden Dana (4-2, 6.32 ERA) starts Tuesday at Milwaukee, which sends RHP Freddy Peralta (16-6, 2.69) to the mound.

Mariners: RHP Logan Gilbert (4-6, 3.54) starts Tuesday at Kansas City, which goes with RHP Michael Wacha (9-11, 3.45).