Catcher Raleigh smashes records as Mariners crush Athletics

Cal Raleigh hit two home runs, breaking a pair of major league records, as the Seattle Mariners routed the visiting Athletics 11-4 on Sunday afternoon.

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Raleigh hit two-run blasts in each of the first two innings off A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez (7-7), giving Raleigh an MLB-leading 49 homers this season. That eclipsed the MLB mark of 48 for a player who primarily plays catcher set by Kansas City’s Salvador Perez in 2021. Itwas also Raleigh's ninth multi-homer game of the year, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s record for a switch-hitter set in 1961.

Mariners starter Logan Gilbert (4-5) was provided a 10-run lead through three innings and cruised. Gilbert allowed one run on three hits over six innings, with one walk and a career-high 13 strikeouts.

Lopez, who was 4-0 with a 0.70 ERA in four previous starts this month, struggled with his command. Lopez lasted just two-plus innings and gave up nine runs on six hits, with six walks and two strikeouts. He was evaluated after the game and diagnosed with left forearm tightness, according to manager Mark Kotsay.