Cal Raleigh Sets Record with Two Homers as Mariners Defeat Cubs

In a thrilling matchup at Wrigley Field on June 20, 2025, the Seattle Mariners secured a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs, largely thanks to catcher Cal Raleigh, who hit two home runs, bringing his season total to 29. This achievement not only places Raleigh at the pinnacle of Major League Baseball (MLB) home run leaders but also establishes him as the record-holder for the most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, surpassing the legendary Johnny Bench's mark of 28 set in 1970.

The game unfolded amidst a backdrop of nostalgia as the Cubs honored former slugger Sammy Sosa, who last played at Wrigley in 2004. Sosa, the franchise's all-time home run leader, received a standing ovation during the game, further amplifying the day's significance for baseball fans.

Raleigh's first homer came in the first inning, giving Seattle an early lead. However, the Cubs quickly responded, taking a 3-1 lead in the first inning and extending it to 4-2 in the sixth. Nevertheless, the Mariners rallied, showcasing a formidable offense characterized by their ability to score runs with two outs. Raleigh's second home run, a two-run blast that cleared Waveland Avenue, broke a 4-4 tie and set the stage for the Mariners’ triumph.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed pride in Raleigh's performance, stating, "Cal, just, it’s amazing what he’s been doing. It’s getting harder and harder to find new words to describe his contributions this season." This sentiment was echoed by Raleigh, who remarked on the honor of being compared to one of baseball's greats: "Anytime you are mentioned in the same sentence with one of the best, if not the best, to ever do it is obviously a special thing."

Raleigh's achievement was complemented by teammate Mitch Garver, who also recorded two home runs, marking the first time in MLB history that two primary catchers from the same team have homered in the same game since 1979. Garver celebrated his 100th career home run, emphasizing the significance of the moment: "It’s an amazing personal achievement for myself. I never really expected to make it to the big leagues in the first place, so to reach 100 homers is pretty cool."

Despite the initial challenges posed by the Cubs' offense, Mariners pitcher George Kirby settled into a rhythm, allowing only one additional run after the first inning. Kirby noted the importance of maintaining control, saying, "Just got to get ahead and try not to get behind in counts."

The Mariners' victory marks a critical moment in their season. With this win, they improve to 38-36 as they embark on a grueling 10-game road trip. Manager Wilson highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, "This was a good team win," as the Mariners look to build momentum in their upcoming games. The combination of Raleigh's record-setting performance and the team's collective effort signifies a pivotal point in the Mariners’ journey through the 2025 MLB season, as they strive for a playoff spot in a competitive league.

For fans and analysts alike, this game serves as a reminder of the thrilling narratives that unfold in baseball, where individual feats and team dynamics intertwine to create memorable moments.