Mariners Finish 9-1 Homestand Behind Cal Raleigh's 45th HR on Ichiro's Big Day

The Seattle Mariners had plenty of reason to celebrate a 9-1 homestand on Sunday, August 10. While the Mariners, behind Cal Raleigh's 45th home run, defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3 for a second consecutive series sweep, there was a celebration of another kind happening.

But the team's efforts were overshadowed a little bit as National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductee Ichiro Suzuki appeared before a sold-out crowd at T-Mobile Park. Ichiro, as he's known by Mariners and baseball fans around the world, offered some words of wisdom to this season's club.

“You guys are strong and talented," Ichiro said, according to MLB.com. "Please do not take your talent for granted. You have a great team and a great opportunity in front of you. I understand that there is pressure to win, but the thing is that winning is always tough and never comes without pressure. Accept the pressure and figure out how you can perform at your best under pressure."

Well, the Mariners must have been listening closely to their star's advice. Seattle scored four runs in the first inning. Raleigh got the scoring started with a two-run home run in the first inning, scoring Randy Arozarena ahead of his big blast.

Four-run first inning helped pave the way for Seattle Mariners to dominate Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Adrian Houser

Raleigh's MLB-leading 45th homer put him in a tie with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench (1970) for second-most by a primary catcher. Julio Rodríguez singled and Josh Naylor drew a walk, then advanced a base after Rays starter Adrian Houser committed a balk.