Raleigh hits career-high 3 HRs to spark Mariners
Cal Raleigh, a switch-hitting catcher who has been in a seasonlong slump after a career season last year, busted out with the first three-homer game of his career Monday, as the Seattle Mariners polished off a 9-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cal Raleigh's breakout performance is a huge boost to the Seattle Mariners, who have been searching for consistency from their catcher position all season. After a stellar 2022 campaign, Raleigh struggled to find his footing this year, but his three-homer game shows he's still got the power and potential that made him a fan favorite.
This win is also a significant one for the Mariners, who are in a tight playoff chase in the American League. A series sweep over the Phillies puts them in a strong position to make a move up the standings. The team's pitching staff has been a key factor in their success so far, but getting Raleigh and the rest of the offense going will be crucial if they want to make a deep postseason run.
What's next to watch is whether Raleigh can sustain this momentum and help the Mariners make a push for the playoffs. The Mariners have a tough schedule ahead, with series against the Astros and Rays, so we'll see if Raleigh's big game is a sign of things to come or just a one-game fluke. The Tour is always excited to see players break out and make a impact on their team's success, and we'll be keeping a close eye on Raleigh and the Mariners as the season heats up.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.