Cal Raleigh Powers Mariners to Narrow Win Over Twins

Cal Raleigh launched his 23rd home run of the season, leading the majors, while Randy Arozarena delivered the decisive hit in the ninth inning, propelling the Seattle Mariners to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

With one out in the final frame, Arozarena connected for a base hit that brought home Julio Rodriguez, who had opened the inning with a single off Griffin Jax (1-3). Rodriguez showcased his speed, stealing second base and advancing to third after a throwing error by catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Raleigh's impressive performance included a powerful curveball hit in the seventh inning off Twins starter Chris Paddack, who had otherwise dominated the game. Paddack struck out ten batters, issued one walk, and allowed only four hits over eight innings, throwing 75 of his 110 pitches for strikes.

On the mound for Seattle, Luis Castillo delivered six shutout innings. However, the Twins managed to tie the game in the ninth against closer Andrés Muñoz (2-0) when Harrison Bader hit a sacrifice fly.

Despite Castillo's strong outing, the Twins threatened in the third inning with runners at the corners and two outs. Mariners third baseman Ben Williamson made a crucial play on a chopper from Carlos Correa, preventing any runs from scoring.

Raleigh's achievement marks him as the first Mariners player since Nelson Cruz in 2016 to hit at least 10 home runs in multiple months. He also became the first Seattle player to accomplish this feat in consecutive months since Alex Rodriguez in 1999.

Looking ahead, Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (5-2, 2.57 ERA) is set to take the mound on Monday night against the Athletics. Meanwhile, after a day off, Mariners RHP George Kirby (0-2, 11.42) will start on Tuesday as Seattle begins a three-game series against Baltimore.