Cal Raleigh roped an RBI single down the right-field line in the ninth inning, scoring Leo Rivas for a 2-1 Seattle Mariners victory over the New York Yankees. The AL MVP runner-up from last season redeemed an earlier strikeout and handed New York its first defeat of the year. The result lifted Seattle above .500 for the first time this season after a slow start.
Raleigh Rallies from Opening Slump
Raleigh entered as a pinch-hitter after resting from the starting lineup, having caught all four games in the opening series against Cleveland. His early results showed just two hits in 15 at-bats, plus a double and three walks amid 10 strikeouts over 18 plate appearances. The seventh-inning whiff against Brent Headrick marked his 11th strikeout in 16 at-bats, yet two innings later he stayed disciplined against Paul Blackburn's 2-1 cutter, pulling it fair for the decisive hit.
Such recovery highlights how targeted rest preserves effectiveness during demanding schedules. Catchers face unique physical tolls from squatting and throwing, making off days essential for sustained output.
Castillo Dominates with Career Milestone
Luis Castillo set the tone with six scoreless innings, permitting two hits and two walks while fanning seven. Among those was his 1,500th career strikeout, recorded against Aaron Judge in the sixth. Cole Young supported with three hits, including an RBI single in the second that plated Randy Arozarena for Seattle's initial run.
Rivas and Young opened the fifth with singles, but New York starter Ryan Weathers and Fernando Cruz escaped the jam to preserve the 1-0 margin.
Bullpen Resilience Seals the Outcome
José Ferrer took over in the sixth and issued a leadoff single to Ben Rice, who moved to second on a wild pitch. Giancarlo Stanton's grounder then deflected off third baseman Donovan for an error, loading the bases with none out. Amed Rosario's sacrifice fly tied the contest at 1-1 on an unearned run.
Gabe Speier and Matt Brash held firm in the final two frames. Brash navigated a one-out double by Stanton—putting the go-ahead run at third—by inducing Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s groundout to second and fanning Rosario. His efforts earned the win in relief, underscoring the value of late-inning composure in close contests.
