Mariners' Cal Raleigh showcases unexpected skill in win

Raleigh's heads-up play sets up key hit for teammate Josh Naylor

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:44pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player sliding into base, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic motion and energy of the play.Raleigh's heads-up baserunning sets the stage for a key Mariners rally.Seattle Today

In a recent game, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh led off the bottom of the third inning with a weak ground ball to the right side. But Raleigh quickly recognized an opportunity and used his heads-up baserunning to advance into scoring position, ultimately setting up a key hit for his teammate Josh Naylor.

Why it matters

Raleigh's savvy play demonstrates his baseball IQ and ability to make the most of any situation, even when his initial contact isn't ideal. This type of hustle and awareness can often be the difference-maker in close games, making Raleigh a valuable asset for the Mariners.

The details

With one out in the bottom of the third, Raleigh hit a slow roller to the right side. Rather than simply jogging to first base, Raleigh immediately sprinted down the line, forcing the defense to hurry their throw. This allowed Raleigh to reach base safely and put himself in scoring position for the next batter, Josh Naylor, who then delivered a key hit to drive in a run.

  • In the bottom of the third inning

The players

Cal Raleigh

The starting catcher for the Seattle Mariners, known for his power hitting and strong defensive skills behind the plate.

Josh Naylor

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who came through with a key hit after Raleigh's heads-up baserunning.

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What they’re saying

“Cal's hustle there really set the table for us. That's the kind of play that can spark a rally and get the whole team fired up.”

— Josh Naylor, Mariners Outfielder

The takeaway

Raleigh's smart baserunning in a key moment showcased his high baseball IQ and ability to make a positive impact even when his initial at-bat doesn't go as planned. Plays like this can often be the difference in close games, making Raleigh a valuable contributor for the Mariners.