Cal Raleigh hit two home runs and drove in five runs, while Luis Castillo struck out nine batters, leading the Seattle Mariners to a commanding 12-1 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep.
Castillo was in top form, allowing just four hits and walking two over six innings, capping off an impressive series for Seattle’s pitching staff. Alongside George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, Castillo helped stifle the Mets’ offense, with the trio collectively striking out 21 batters, surrendering just 10 hits, and issuing four walks across 19 innings—all with Raleigh behind the plate.
Reflecting on the game, Castillo said through a translator, “It was one of those perfect days. The defense was sharp, and the communication with the catcher was spot on. Everything was just clicking.”
The Mets’ lone run of the series came from Jeff McNeil, who broke a 27-inning scoreless streak with a solo home run in the sixth inning. This marked the only blemish in an otherwise flawless performance by the Mariners, who allowed just one run over the three games, tying a team record.
The 11-run margin of victory was Seattle’s largest of the season. With this win, the Mariners extended their winning streak to four games and moved into a tie for first place in the AL West alongside the Houston Astros.
This surge in performance follows a series of impactful trade deadline moves, including the acquisition of Randy Arozarena, Justin Turner, and additional bullpen reinforcements. Arozarena also made a spectacular diving catch in the outfield during Sunday’s game.
Mariners manager Scott Servais noted the change in team dynamics since the acquisitions, saying, “There’s a different vibe in our clubhouse. The confidence is palpable, even when we don’t get the win. The team just feels different, more assured.”
Castillo, now with a 10-11 record, surpassed 1,300 career strikeouts during his outing. He struck out five consecutive batters at one point and struck out the side in the fourth inning, finishing off Jose Iglesias with a sinker that left the batter spinning.
Recalling the moment, Castillo said, “I’ve done it a few times in Cincinnati, but this time, my teammates pointed out that I had my fist up—it was pretty special.”
Raleigh provided the offensive fireworks, giving the Mariners a 4-0 lead with a two-run homer in the fifth inning and then adding a three-run shot in the sixth to extend the lead to 10-1. This marked Raleigh’s third multi-homer game of the season, bringing his total to 26 home runs.
With this performance, Raleigh became the first catcher since Hall of Famer Mike Piazza to hit 25 or more home runs in three consecutive seasons. Piazza accomplished this feat in eight straight seasons from 1995 to 2002.
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