Raleigh's walk-off single lifts Mariners over Yankees

Catcher's late-game heroics snap Seattle's mini-slump

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cal Raleigh delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Seattle Mariners to a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees. Raleigh, who had been mired in a slump to start the season, came through with the game-winning hit after the Mariners' ace Luis Castillo had tossed six scoreless innings and recorded his 1,500th career strikeout.

Why it matters

The win snaps a mini-slump for the Mariners and keeps them within striking distance of the division-leading Yankees in the early stages of the season. Raleigh's heroics also provide a much-needed boost for the young catcher as he looks to get back on track offensively.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Leo Rivas led off with a single and advanced to third on a single by Brendan Donovan. Raleigh then stepped up and ripped a one-out single down the line, allowing Rivas to score the winning run. The hit came after Raleigh had gone just 2-for-16 to start the season with 11 strikeouts.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Raleigh's game-winning hit came in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher, who delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Luis Castillo

The Mariners' starting pitcher, who tossed six scoreless innings and recorded his 1,500th career strikeout.

Leo Rivas

The Mariners' outfielder, who scored the winning run on Raleigh's walk-off single.

Brendan Donovan

The Mariners' infielder, who singled to set up Raleigh's game-winning hit.

Ben Rice

The Yankees' first baseman, who made a diving attempt to field Raleigh's game-winning hit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was never going to be a full off-day for Cal Raleigh.”

— Daniel Kramer, Author

What’s next

The Mariners and Yankees will continue their series on Tuesday, with the Mariners looking to build on Raleigh's heroics and the Yankees aiming to bounce back.

The takeaway

Raleigh's walk-off hit provided a much-needed boost for the Mariners and their young catcher, who had been struggling to start the season. The win keeps Seattle within striking distance of the division-leading Yankees and showcases the team's resilience in the face of adversity.