Cal Raleigh ties Ken Griffey Jr. with two home runs against Pirates

In the United States, on July 4, 2025, the Seattle Mariners faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at home and successfully snapped the Pirates' winning streak with a solid 6-0 victory. Mariners' catcher Cal Raleigh played a pivotal role in the game, hitting two home runs, thus matching Ken Griffey Jr.'s record for the most home runs before the All-Star break, with Raleigh achieving his 34th and 35th home runs. The Mariners’ strong performance was backed by pitcher Bryan Woo, who excelled on the mound by pitching six innings and allowing just one hit. This victory marked an important milestone for both the player and the team, showcasing the Mariners' potential as they approach the mid-season mark. The following day, on July 5, 2025, the Mariners faced the Pirates again in a tightly contested game that highlighted the strength of their pitching staff. Luis Castillo took the mound, delivering a dominant performance that led the team to a 1-0 victory. Ben Williamson contributed to the team's success with an RBI double, marking his first since May. Castillo's ability to control the game was evident as he struck out eight batters and allowed only two singles during his seven-inning performance. The Mariners’ bullpen continued the trend of strong pitching with Matt Brash and Andres Munoz effectively closing out the game. This continued success against the Pirates not only signifies the Mariners' effective teamwork and strategy but also builds momentum as they continue through the season. The key moment in the second game involved an impressive defensive play by Mariners' center fielder Julio Rodriguez, who made a crucial catch against the wall, preventing the Pirates from capitalizing early in the game. Although the Pirates' starting pitcher Mike Burrows had a decent outing, striking out six batters in five innings, it was not enough to overcome the Mariners' strong pitching and timely hitting. This series against the Pirates showcased the Mariners’ determination to enhance their standings in the league, as both victories highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, particularly against teams that have been a challenge in previous encounters. With these two games, the Mariners solidified their performance and reaffirmed their status as a competitive team this season. Moving forward, they appear to be in a strong position to increase their wins as they prepare to face other opponents in the upcoming days, with an emphasis on maintaining their strong offensive and defensive strategies.