+++ title = "Cal Raleigh leads the Mariners to series opening win against Rockies" date = "2021-07-22T23:55:49+08:00" type = "blog" banner = "https://i.imgur.com/jdQb3ZH.jpg" +++
Mariners fans have been holding their breath waiting on the newest call-up, Cal Raleigh, to get his first hit for the big league club. He came through in a big way against the Rockies in the series opener, doing more than just swatting his first hit.
It started off in the 4th inning when he hit a little flare to center field. We all know the ball carries a bit more in Colorado, and it’s a good thing they were back to using the Humidor after the home run derby, or else this ball would’ve been caught.
https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1417660789880594434?s=20
I guess we could even go back a bit. It wasn’t just that Raleigh was 0-12, it’s that he hadn’t been on base either. He drew a walk in his first plate appearance. Not a bad way to start the day. A walk, and then your first major league hit. Do you know what could make it even better? A nice 2-run double into the gap to start a big-time rally in the 6th inning.
This would lead to a 2-run home run later in the inning by Dylan Moore, and the Mariners would be up 4-2, and never look back. Cal Raleigh had his first, real big-league day, and Mariners fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief. You could see the excitement and job on Raleigh’s face as well after getting that first hit.
Ty France would pull a Raleigh in the 7th, knocking in a 2-run double of his own to make it 6-2. Overshadowed a bit by the offense was the fact that Marco Gonzalez looked a lot like the pitcher we were expecting going into this season. Marco would go five innings, giving up just two runs, earning his first win since April 15th!
It was a nice win for the Mariners and guarantees them at least a split in Colorado. They’ll start the finale in the rare early Wednesday game for the Mariners, as Keynan Middleton will take the mound against Austin Gomber at 12:10 PT.