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Seattle Mariners Catcher Has Chance to Tie Barry Bonds in Home Run History
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Cal Raleigh hits a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers on July 11 at Comerica Park. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners bounced back in a huge way after a sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees with a 12-3 win against the Detroit Tigers on Friday at Comerica Park. The Tigers had the best record in baseball going into the game.

It was a much-needed pallet cleanser for the Mariners after a rough three games in the Bronx, and it also marked (another) history-making day for catcher Cal Raleigh.

Seattle's All-Star backstop, who was penciled in the lineup at designated hitter, finished the game 2-for-5 with two runs, two home runs and five RBIs. His first home was a solo shot and his second was a grand slam in the top of the ninth that capped off a seven-run inning for the M's.

Raleigh's two homers gave him a major league-leading 38 on the season and a baseball-leading 81 RBIs. His 38 homers set a record for the most by a player in the American League before the All-Star Break.

Raleigh has two more games to play before the All-Star game, both against Detroit. One home run would tie him with Barry Bonds for the most home runs before the All-Star Break by any player in MLB history (39) and two would give Raleigh the record.

Raleigh has already set the all-time MLB records this season for the most home runs by a catcher and a switch-hitter before the All-Star Break.

Raleigh has scored 65 times in 92 games entering Saturday. He's hit 16 doubles to go with his 38 homers and 81 RBIs. He's slashed .264/.377/.645 with a 1.022 OPS. He was voted as the American League's starting catcher in the All-Star Game.

He will also participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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