Cal Raleigh took home his 57th home run against the Houston Astros this Saturday. The catcher broke the Mariners record for single-season home runs, previously held by Ken Griffey Jr., one dating back to 1997.
Raleigh sent a 95.5 mph hit into the bullpen after a pitch from leftie Framber Valdez. Raleigh had already surpassed Mickey Mantle’s major league record for homers hit by a switch-hitter. He also set the MLB record for home run hits by a catcher in one season, surpassing Perez’s 2021 record.
Victor Robles Makes Jaw-Dropping Catch
Thanks to an incredible catch by right-fielder Victor Robles, the Mariners heavily increased their chances of winning the American League West.
At the bottom of the ninth, fans watched as Robles made a diving catch at Daikin Park, and was still able to make a double play with a toss to second to secure the 6-4 win over the Astros.
Robles’ play came at the perfect time. It followed a grand slam made by the Astros in the bottom of the seventh inning. He came out of nowhere to catch the 80.5 mph line, then sent it off to Jorge Polanco on second-base who tossed it on to J.P. Crawford to secure the double play and take home the win for the Mariners.
The Astros’ were equally as shocked by the play, with hitter Carlos Correa stating, “I don’t even know where Robles came from. To me, it looked like he was really far from the moment I hit it.”
When asked about the play, Robles said, with bench coach Manny Acta interpreting,
“(I) was well-positioned, but also (I) was playing shallower than usual. (I) knew that Julio was in the back and probably had too much room to cover, and (my) focus was just trying to catch the ball. It’s a privilege to be here, especially after going through (a long rehab process from a shoulder injury), (I) didn’t think at the beginning that (I) was going to be able to come back from such a horrible injury, but (I’m) here and (I) think God and all my teammates. … (I’m) full of confidence just like everybody here.”
Robles missed more than four months with a fracture and dislocation in his shoulder. He then missed out further due to a suspension while on injury recovery. Something he commented on stating,
“It was very difficult and obviously frustrating to not be able to be there and do anything. But like I said, controlling what I can control, and now getting into the position where I can contribute again.”
Postgame, his teammate Cal Raleigh had one simple statement to say about Robles’ performance, stating, “Vic – unbelievable.”
Mariners Take American League West
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of all Mariners’ this season, Seattle now has a two-game lead in the American League West. Previously, the Astros have won each of the past seven 162-game seasons.
When asked about facing off against the Astros, Cal Raleigh said, “You’re never guaranteed anything here. They’re a good team. They’ve been here before. They’ve owned the (American League) West for a long time.”
The Mariners will continue their season tomorrow. They will once again face off against the Astros on Sunday, September 21st, starting at 4:10 p.m.
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