Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners ended a prolonged slump on May 13 by recording two hits against the Houston Astros, breaking an 0-for-38 stretch that dated back to April 27. The moment came shortly after Raleigh took a foul tip to the groin during the seventh inning but remained in the game and delivered a single into right-center field half an inning later.
The significance of Raleigh’s hit was underscored by his teammates’ reactions, as they celebrated what would normally be considered a minor achievement in a decisive 10-2 victory. For Raleigh, who has struggled at the plate for much of the season, it marked an important personal milestone. “Sometimes, you’ve just got to throw everything out the window,” Raleigh said. “And just go out there and say, ‘Screw it,’ and try to compete. … Sometimes, you’ve got to put the numbers and the technique and mechanics aside and just go out there and grind it out.”
Raleigh’s struggles had approached franchise history; only Jarred Kelenic has gone longer without a hit for Seattle with an 0-for-42 streak in his rookie year. After his single, teammates Bryan Woo and Josh Naylor playfully acknowledged his achievement—Woo waved towels while Naylor presented him with what he joked was a keepsake ball from his career rut.
Woo also revealed that Raleigh took a shower in full uniform after going hitless on Monday night at teammate Logan Gilbert’s suggestion: “It might have been a good call,” Woo said. “And who knows, maybe that’s the difference.” Later in Tuesday’s game, Raleigh added another single for his sixth multi-hit game this season.
Despite these highlights, challenges remain for Raleigh at bat: he is hitting .166 this season with one of baseball’s lowest on-base percentages among qualified hitters and continues to struggle particularly against four-seam fastballs. His recent difficulties led manager Dan Wilson to move him from second spot in batting order down to cleanup last weekend.
Wilson said about recent improvements: “His at-bats have gotten considerably better here over the last couple days.” Teammate Woo commented on team morale: “The thing about having such a close-knit team is that you feel the weight of when other guys are going through it too… Not only is baseball really difficult, but it’s just like the mental side of it too.”
As Seattle tries to rise above .500 following early-season inconsistencies across their roster, players hope moments like these will help build momentum.
