Cal Raleigh Sparks Mariners Nearing First World Series Berth

Cal Raleigh hit a crucial 64th home run of the year in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the ALCS, tying the game and helping the Seattle Mariners take a 3-2 series lead over the Toronto Blue Jays. His home run was a high-arching shot that cleared the left-field wall at T-Mobile Park, which energized the Mariners and led to a grand slam by Eugenio Suárez that sealed a 6-2 victory. Raleigh, a switch-hitting catcher who led MLB with 60 regular-season home runs and has added four more in the playoffs, matched Aaron Judge's combined regular and postseason home run record for the American League. Besides his offensive contributions, Raleigh showcased his defensive skills by turning only the second 2-3 grounded into double play in postseason history. The Mariners are now one win away from their first-ever World Series appearance, heading back to Toronto for Game 6. Raleigh's consistent performance both offensively and defensively has been a key factor in Seattle's historic playoff run.