Inside The Mariners

Seattle Mariners' Star Cal Raleigh is Doing Something That Only Shohei Ohtani is Doing

With a stolen base on Thursday night, the M's backstop now has six, which leads all catchers.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a single against Washington Nationals during the first inning at T-Mobile Park on May 29.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a single against Washington Nationals during the first inning at T-Mobile Park on May 29. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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The Seattle Mariners lost 9-3 against the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, falling to 30-25 on the season. Despite the loss, catcher Cal Raleigh continued to do his part, going 1-for-2 with two walks, a single and a stolen base. He also threw out a runner stealing from behind the plate.

And according to M's broadcaster Gary Hill Jr., Raleigh is now doing something that only Shohei Ohtani is doing around the league.

Cal Raleigh (C) 19 HR 6 SB and
Shohei Ohtani (DH) 20 HR 11 SB

The only players leading their positions in both homers and steals

It's been an incredible start to the year for Raleigh, who has ascended into the best catcher in the league, according to some. He's hitting .260 with the 19 homers, 37 RBIs and the six steals. If you add that to his work with the M's pitching staff and his defensive ability, he's truly invaluable to the Mariners and their chase for an American League West title.

Though Aaron Judge is already the clear favorite for the American League MVP award, Raleigh is certainly in the conversation through the first 55 games.

The Mariners enter play on Friday in first place in the division, but they are just 0.5 games up on the Houston Astros.

They'll take on the Minnesota Twins on Friday, who have an identical 30-25 record. Seattle will send right-hander Bryan Woo to the mound against rookie Zebby Matthews.

Woo has gone 5-2 this season with a 2.69 ERA. First pitch is 7:10 p.m. PT.

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