Raleigh Ties Record with Fourth Straight Homer, Kirby Fans 9 as Mariners Beat Phillies 4-1
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
SEATTLE — The echoes of Cal Raleigh's bat continued to reverberate through T-Mobile Park as the Mariners' catcher tied a franchise record with home runs in four consecutive plate appearances, part of a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies that showcased both power and pitching resilience.
Raleigh's historic run began Monday night, when he homered in each of his three at-bats during a 9-2 rout. On Tuesday, he wasted no time extending the streak. Stepping into the box against Aaron Nola to lead off the second inning, Raleigh drove a 362-foot pitch over the right-field wall for his 18th home run of the season. That blast matched the Seattle record set by Mike Cameron on May 2, 2002, when he homered in four straight at-bats. Raleigh also became the first Mariner to hit four homers over two consecutive games since Kenji Johjima in June 2006.
The streak, however, did not continue without interruption. Raleigh walked in his first plate appearance on Monday between homers, and he walked again in his second at-bat Tuesday before striking out in the sixth inning to end the run. Still, the damage was done.
While Raleigh provided the spark, George Kirby delivered the backbone. The right-hander, who had struggled in his previous start by surrendering six runs in the first inning against Milwaukee, looked shaky early. In the second inning, he allowed three consecutive singles, the last of which was an RBI base hit by Justin Crawford that tied the game at 1-1. But Kirby demonstrated his mettle by escaping the jam without further damage. From that point, he settled into a rhythm, retiring 12 of the next 13 batters he faced. He finished with nine strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings, scattering four hits and walking none. Kirby's only run came in that second inning.
Jose Ferrer recorded the final out of the eighth, and Andrés Muñoz worked a clean ninth to secure his 24th save in 32 opportunities.
Nola, meanwhile, was effective but not quite as sharp. The Phillies' right-hander allowed two runs on three hits over six innings, striking out seven. He retired the side in order in the first, third, fourth, and fifth, but the Mariners broke through in the sixth. Josh Naylor lined a run-scoring single to left-center, giving Seattle a 2-1 lead. Two innings later, Dominic Canzone delivered the knockout blow with a bases-loaded, two-out single off reliever Brooks Raley, driving in two more runs.
For the Mariners, the victory was a welcome rebound after a disappointing stretch that had seen them lose ground in the American League playoff race. Kirby's recovery from a shaky start and Raleigh's continued power surge provided a much-needed boost. The series finale is set for Wednesday afternoon, with Jesús Luzardo (11-5, 3.35) taking the mound for Philadelphia against Seattle's Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10).
Article commentary
Cal Raleigh's four consecutive home runs across two games is more than a statistical curiosity—it's a testament to the catcher's ability to make adjustments and capitalize on pitcher mistakes. In an era where home run rates are high, such a streak remains rare. Tying a franchise record that has stood for 24 years (Mike Cameron's 2002 feat) and being the first Mariner since Johjima to achieve it over consecutive games underscores Raleigh's importance to Seattle's lineup. His power from the catcher position is a significant asset, especially given the defensive demands of the role. Raleigh's streak, however, came with a caveat. The two walks in between homers technically kept the streak alive in terms of at-bats, but they also highlight his plate discipline. He is not a free-swinger. That patience, combined with his power, makes him a dangerous hitter in the middle of the Mariners' order. George Kirby's performance was equally critical. After a disastrous outing against the Brewers, where he allowed six first-inning runs, questions arose about his consistency. Tuesday night, Kirby showed resilience. The early jam in the second inning could have unraveled, but he made the necessary adjustments to avoid a big inning. His ability to work deep into the game—7 2/3 innings—relieved a bullpen that has been heavily used. Kirby's strikeout rate (9 K's) and zero walks indicate he had command of his pitches, particularly his fastball and curveball. For a Mariners team that has relied heavily on its pitching staff, Kirby's bounce-back is promising. The Phillies, meanwhile, continue to struggle with consistency. Aaron Nola pitched well enough to keep his team in the game, but the lack of run support—only one run in six innings—remains a recurring theme. Philadelphia's offense has been sporadic, and the team's playoff hopes are fading. The bullpen, led by Brooks Raley, failed to hold the game close in the eighth. The Mariners capitalized on a bases-loaded opportunity, something that has eluded them at times this season. Seattle's victory keeps them within striking distance of a wild-card spot. The combination of Raleigh's power and Kirby's pitching provides a solid foundation. However, the team must find more consistent offensive production beyond the catcher. Players like Josh Naylor and Dominic Canzone contributed on Tuesday, but the lineup has been too reliant on home runs. Against a pitcher like Luzardo on Wednesday, the Mariners will need to manufacture runs more effectively. The series finale offers a chance for both teams to adjust. For Philadelphia, it's about salvaging a split. For Seattle, it's about building momentum. Raleigh's streak is a bright spot, but the true test is whether the Mariners can sustain this level of play over the long haul.