Raleigh hits No.50, Mariners top Padres

Cal Raleigh became the first player whose primary position is catcher to hit 50 home runs in a major league season as the Seattle Mariners defeated the visiting San Diego Padres 9-6 on Monday night.

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Raleigh went deep into the second deck in left field in the first inning off San Diego starter JP Sears for his third homer in the past two games. He became the second player in franchise history to reach the 50-homer milestone, joining Ken Griffey Jr (56 homers in both 1997 and 1998).

Raleigh, who went 1-for-4 as Seattle's designated hitter on the night, joined Mickey Mantle as the only switch hitters to produce a 50-homer season. The New York Yankees great belted 52 homers in 1956 and 54 in 1961.

Seattle improved to 4-0 against the Padres this season to clinch the inaugural Vedder Cup, named for Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder who has ties to both cities. The clubs conclude their season series with games the next two days.