Mariners' Cal Raleigh turns slow start into heroic cameo vs. Yankees

The Mariners catcher delivered a walk-off hit to defeat the Yankees despite a sluggish start to the season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:21pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player rounding the bases after a clutch hit, with the player's features and uniform dissolving into energetic brushstrokes.A game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning provides a much-needed boost for a struggling Mariners player.Seattle Today

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who was batting just .125 to start the season, came through with a clutch walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the New York Yankees 2-1 on Monday night. Raleigh had entered the game as a pinch-hitter earlier and struck out, but was given another chance and delivered the game-winning hit with two runners on base.

Why it matters

Raleigh's heroics came despite a slow start to the season, which he acknowledged is a common challenge for many players as they try to find their timing early on. The walk-off hit could provide a much-needed confidence boost and help turn around Raleigh's season.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Raleigh stepped to the plate with two runners on base and delivered the game-winning hit to secure the victory for the Mariners. Earlier in the game, Raleigh had entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and struck out, bringing his season batting average to just .125 (2-for-16).

  • The game-winning hit occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Raleigh entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners' starting catcher who delivered the game-winning hit despite a slow start to the season.

New York Yankees

The opposing team that the Mariners defeated in the walk-off game.

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What they’re saying

“'It'll be OK. I know a lot of guys in that locker room, a lot of people across the league, are fighting the same thing. Guys are trying to find timing. And it's under a microscope more so now than it is in the middle of the season.'”

— Cal Raleigh, Mariners Catcher

What’s next

Raleigh and the Mariners will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Yankees over the next few days.

The takeaway

Raleigh's clutch walk-off hit shows the resilience of professional athletes who are able to overcome early-season struggles and deliver in big moments for their teams. This performance could be a turning point that helps Raleigh regain his confidence and get his season back on track.