In a night that Mariners fans won’t soon forget, Cal Raleigh made some serious noise. The Seattle slugger tied a franchise record set by none other than Ken Griffey Jr.
Raleigh knocked out two home runs, bringing his season total to 56. That’s a number that puts him among some elite company in baseball history.
His big night didn’t just boost his reputation as one of Major League Baseball’s top power hitters. It also sent a jolt of excitement through Mariners fans and baseball diehards everywhere.
Cal Raleigh: A Night to Remember
Raleigh put on a show against the Los Angeles Angels. The Mariners grabbed a key win, but it was his pair of home runs that really stole the spotlight.
These weren’t just routine blasts. Both homers soared, showing off the kind of raw power and skill that makes pitchers nervous.
The first homer came in the third inning—a solo shot that rocketed over the right-field fence. Later, in the seventh, Raleigh crushed a two-run blast that pretty much sealed the deal for Seattle.
Breaking Down the Historic Home Runs
That first home run? Raleigh read the pitch perfectly—a fastball on the inside corner—and hammered it to right field. You could almost feel the crowd holding its breath before erupting.
His second homer was just as impressive. This time, he adjusted to a breaking ball that hung over the plate and sent it flying.
- First Home Run: Fastball, inside corner, right-field fence
- Second Home Run: Breaking ball, over the plate, two-run blast
Tying Ken Griffey Jr.’s Franchise Record
With 56 home runs in a single season, Raleigh now shares a record with Ken Griffey Jr.—a Hall of Famer and Seattle legend. Griffey set that mark back in 1997, the same year he won AL MVP.
For Raleigh to even be mentioned alongside Griffey says a lot. It’s a huge deal for him and for the city.
The Significance of the Record
Matching Griffey’s record is bigger than just a personal milestone. Mariners fans adore Griffey, and his record stood for more than twenty years.
Raleigh’s achievement feels like a bridge to those glory days and gives fans something to really believe in again.
Implications for the Mariners’ Season
Raleigh’s hot streak comes at a perfect time as the Mariners chase a playoff spot. When the pressure’s on, he’s delivered, giving the team a much-needed offensive spark.
Every game counts now, and Raleigh’s bat could tip the balance in Seattle’s favor.
Raleigh’s Role Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Raleigh’s importance can’t really be overstated. He brings serious power at the plate and helps keep things steady in the clubhouse.
If he stays locked in, the Mariners just might go on a deep postseason run. Wouldn’t that be something?
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
Fans went wild after Raleigh’s historic night. Social media lit up with excitement, and it seemed like everyone wanted to talk about those home runs.
Media outlets jumped on the story too, with articles and TV segments celebrating his record-tying feat.
Social Media Buzz
On Twitter and Instagram, fans posted clips of Raleigh’s homers, tagging him and sharing their congratulations. The hashtag #CalRaleigh56 even trended for hours.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Cal Raleigh’s record-tying night really shows off his hard work and determination. You can see the talent, too—he’s earned every bit of this spotlight.
He just tied a record set by Ken Griffey Jr. That alone? Pretty wild. It almost feels like we’re watching the start of something big for both him and the Mariners.
If you’re curious and want the full breakdown of Raleigh’s big night, check out the article on Yahoo Sports.
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