Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh (29) hits a solo home run, his 57th of the season, against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) walks to the dugout after being pulled from the game during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
After being ejected from the game, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada, left, argues with third base umpire Mike Muchlinski during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Astros’ Jake Meyers reacts after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking home run lifts Mariners over Astros for 6-4 win
HOUSTON (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his 57th home run to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for Seattle’s single-season record and the Mariners built a big lead and held on for a 6-4 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night to give them a two-game lead in the AL West.
Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh (29) hits a solo home run, his 57th of the season, against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
HOUSTON (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his 57th home run to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for Seattle’s single-season record and the Mariners built a big lead and held on for a 6-4 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night to give them a two-game lead in the AL West.
George Kirby (10-7) scattered five hits across six scoreless innings and struck out seven to help the Mariners to the victory that assures them a season series win over the Astros.
Seattle, which has won 13 of 14, currently has the second seed in the American League ahead of third-seed Detroit, which has .
The Mariners led by 2 in the third inning when Raleigh to make it 3-0 and pass the HR mark Griffey reached in both 1997 and 1998.
Seattle led by 6 with two outs in the seventh when Peña’s grand slam off Carlos Vargas got the Astros within 6-4. The Astros had runners on second and third with one out in the eighth, but Eduard Bazardo struck out Yainer Diaz before Gabe Speier came in and fanned pinch-hitter Christian Walker to end the threat.
The Mariners loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth and Valdez was pulled after walking Josh Naylor to make it 4-0. Jayden Murray took over and pinch-hitter Dominic Canzone’s single to right field extended the lead to 6-0.
Valdez (12-11) yielded six hits and five runs with four walks in 4 2/3 innings for his fourth straight loss.
Houston manager Joe Espada and hitting coach Troy Snitker were ejected for complaining to home plate umpire Shane Livensparger after Jesús Sánchez struck out looking for the second out of the fifth inning.
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Key moment
The catch by Robles.
Key stat
Houston went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.
Up next
Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (5-6, 3.53 ERA) opposes RHP Jason Alexander (4-1, 4.04) when the series concludes Sunday night.
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