Raleigh hits MLB-best 44th homer and Rodríguez connects twice as streaking Mariners top Rays 7-4
SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh launched his major league-leading 44th home run, Julio Rodriguez went deep twice and the surging Seattle Mariners defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 on Saturday night after retiring Ichiro Suzuki’s No. 51 jersey.
Seattle extended its win streak to six, the longest active run in the American League, and moved within a half-game of Houston atop the AL West.
After hitting the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning Friday night, Raleigh delivered another three-run shot Saturday to put Seattle up 5-1 in the third. Rodríguez connected on the next pitch from starter Joe Boyle (1-2), who lasted 3 1/3 innings.
Rodríguez also hit a two-run homer in the first, a 436-foot drive, and has 23 home runs this season.
Logan Evans (6-4) allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings before four Mariners relievers finished a five-hitter. Andres Munoz worked a scoreless ninth for his 27th save.
Brandon Lowe homered for the second consecutive game in the first inning for Tampa Bay. Junior Caminero hit his 32nd homer in the sixth, a three-run shot off Caleb Ferguson.
Cole Young scored on a wild pitch in the Seattle sixth to make it 7-4.
Key moment
Young’s walk and Randy Arozarena’s single set up Raleigh’s homer to give Seattle a four-run cushion.
Key stat
J.P. Crawford’s 17-pitch at-bat against Rays reliever Mason Englert in the sixth tied for the longest by a Mariners player since pitch tracking began in 1988. After hitting 12 foul balls, Crawford popped out to shortstop — and still received a standing ovation.
Up next
Tampa Bay RHP Adrian Houser (6-3, 2.54 ERA) opposes RHP Bryan Woo (9-6, 3.02) in the series finale Sunday.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
What’s Next: Suarez, Red Sox Set For Season-Long Success. How About Phillies?
MLB Free Agency Rumors, Buzz: Blue Jays Reportedly Make Long-Term Offer to Tucker
What's Next: Best Fits for MLB's Top 5 Free Agent Position Players
What's Next: How Top MLB Signings and Trades Affect New Teams, Free Agency
2026 World Baseball Classic: Kershaw Pitching for Team USA; Bregman Commits
World Series Winners: Complete list of champions by year
Ranking the 10 best third basemen in MLB for 2025
Ranking the 10 best second basemen in MLB for 2025
What MLB Could Look Like After Expansion: Eight Divisions, New Rivalries?!
What’s Next: Suarez, Red Sox Set For Season-Long Success. How About Phillies?
MLB Free Agency Rumors, Buzz: Blue Jays Reportedly Make Long-Term Offer to Tucker
What's Next: Best Fits for MLB's Top 5 Free Agent Position Players
What's Next: How Top MLB Signings and Trades Affect New Teams, Free Agency
2026 World Baseball Classic: Kershaw Pitching for Team USA; Bregman Commits
World Series Winners: Complete list of champions by year
Ranking the 10 best third basemen in MLB for 2025
Ranking the 10 best second basemen in MLB for 2025
What MLB Could Look Like After Expansion: Eight Divisions, New Rivalries?!
