Mariners End 23-Year Drought, Raleigh’s 60th Homer Seals the Deal

Rick Rizzs’ radio calls capture the excitement as Seattle eyes a playoff bye

After 23 long years wandering the playoff desert, the Seattle Mariners finally found their oasis, clinching their first American League West division title since 2001 with a resounding 9-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. And if that wasn’t enough to make fans leap off their couches, catcher Cal Raleigh decided to sprinkle a little more magic on the night, belting his 60th home run of the season. That’s right—Raleigh joined the ultra-exclusive club as only the seventh player in Major League Baseball history to reach that milestone. Talk about rarefied air!

Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs was right there in the thick of it, his voice practically dancing through the airwaves as he called both Raleigh’s historic homer and the final out that sealed the division crown. As the organization prepares for the season ahead, the team is also managing Mariners roster cuts while balancing World Baseball Classic absences in camp. You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief and shouts of joy from Mariners fans who’ve been waiting since flip phones were cutting-edge. If you want to relive those goosebump-inducing moments, audio highlights and transcripts of Rizzs’ calls are ready and waiting for you.

Raleigh’s 60th home run is turning heads all across the baseball universe, with outlets everywhere confirming his place in the record books. Raleigh has also remained in the spotlight internationally following the widely discussed Raleigh handshake incident during a World Baseball Classic matchup. The Mariners’ big win didn’t just break a drought—it also put them in the driver’s seat for a coveted bye into the American League Division Series. That’s a golden ticket, giving Seattle a leg up as the playoffs loom on the horizon.

If you’re hungry for more, the internet is buzzing with related articles and video highlights—everything from Raleigh’s jaw-dropping homer to the Mariners’ champagne-soaked celebration and reactions from every corner of the league. Elsewhere in MLB, pitching depth has also been tested by injuries such as the recent Petit UCL injury affecting the Rockies bullpen. Social media, as you’d expect, is a whirlwind of clips, hot takes, and pure, unfiltered joy from that unforgettable night.

With the division title finally in hand and Raleigh’s name etched in history, Mariners fans have every reason to celebrate as the postseason adventure begins. Buckle up—October just got a whole lot more interesting in Seattle.