With this hit, Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle for the most home runs in a season for a switch hitter and became the catcher with the most home runs in a season, surpassing the 43 that the Puerto Rican Javy López had hit in 2003 with the Atlanta Braves.
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The hit came in the first inning, when, after a single by Cuban Randy Arozarena, Raleigh punished a sinker from Kyle Hendricks sending it 409 feet between left and center field. It was his 34th home run as a lefty in the campaign. The crowd at T-Mobile Park celebrated with “J-M-V” chants as the catcher ran the bases, aware that each home run he adds brings him closer to more historical records. Raleigh still has 12 games to play in the regular season. With his next home run, he would surpass Mantle, while with 56 he would equal Ken Griffey Jr. (franchise record) and with 57 he would become the absolute leader in Seattle’s history. His big goal: to reach 60, a figure only achieved in the American League by Babe Ruth (1927), Roger Maris (1961) and Aaron Judge (2022). The triumph allowed the Mariners to complete a perfect home stand and add their ninth consecutive victory, placing them one game ahead of the Astros in the American League West Division, the most advanced they have led in September since the historic 2001 campaign. The offense was on fire, with six players recording multi-hit games and seven doubles in total. Dominican Jorge Polanco shined with three doubles in his first three at-bats, extending to seven his streak of consecutive games with at least one two-base hit, tying a franchise record set in 1986. On the hilltop, George Kirby regained his best form after two complicated starts. The right-hander worked seven innings, struck out 14 batters —tying his personal record—, allowed just three hits and two runs without conceding walks. With Raleigh leading the offense and Kirby dominating from the hill, Seattle strengthens its postseason bid in a campaign that could be historic for the franchise and, above all, for its star catcher.
