Cal Raleigh had initially planned to wait another day before returning to Cactus League action, but after getting fewer at-bats than expected during the World Baseball Classic, the Mariners catcher decided to get back in sooner and was added late to the lineup.
His first three trips to the plate Thursday night in Mesa didn’t go well, as he struck out each time. However, he made a big impact in his fourth at-bat.
Raleigh delivered a bases-clearing double during a six-run seventh inning that powered the Mariners to a 6–4 win over the Athletics. He drove a 2-1 sinker deep to center field at Hohokam Park, hitting it high off the batter’s eye. Unlike Peoria Sports Complex, where a yellow line marks a home run, the entire batter’s eye at the A’s park is in play. As a result, Raleigh’s 438-foot blast—per Statcast—ended up as a double after striking high on the 27-foot wall.
Manager Dan Wilson praised the swing, noting that it’s the kind of approach Raleigh will continue working toward. He added that once Raleigh finds consistency, he’ll be in excellent form, highlighting the compact nature of the swing.
Ryan Bliss contributed with a two-run single in the same inning, which came after A’s starter Aaron Civale exited. Civale had been dominant, striking out 11 and allowing just two hits over six innings.
Raleigh ultimately finished with four strikeouts, with his final one coming in the ninth inning on a full-count cutter from Jack Perkins.
Seattle did have a minor concern, as outfielder/DH Rob Refsnyder left in the sixth inning after being hit on the left elbow by a pitch from J.T. Ginn. Though he didn’t appear seriously hurt, the team opted to take him out.
Randy Arozarena, who entered unexpectedly during the game, made an impact with two hits.
Randy Dobnak stood out as the game’s top performer. While he may not make the Mariners’ major league roster, he could serve as a depth option in Tacoma. If this was his final outing of the spring, he made it count—throwing three perfect innings before running into some trouble in the fourth, where he allowed three runs. Dobnak has spent his career in the Twins organization since debuting in 2019, moving between the majors and minors.
Dane Dunning also contributed out of the bullpen, pitching three innings and giving up one run on one hit. Both he and Dobnak could provide valuable depth if they join Tacoma.
Wilson emphasized their experience, noting that both pitchers understand what it takes to perform.
Before the game, there was a touching moment as Mariners legend Jay Buhner met his son Gunnar Buhner at home plate to exchange lineup cards. Gunnar, who manages the A’s Arizona Complex League team, shared an emotional moment with his father, even tossing him a towel as they embraced and posed for photos.
Looking ahead, Friday is packed for the Mariners. Logan Gilbert is expected to pitch in a morning minor league game. Later, the team’s top prospects—including Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, Lazaro Montes, and Ryan Sloan—are set to play in the Spring Breakout game against the Brewers in Maryvale. The day wraps up with a Cactus League matchup against the Guardians in Goodyear, a preview of their regular-season opener.
The Spring Breakout game will air on MLB Network at 2 p.m. PT, while the evening game against Cleveland is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and will be available on Seattle Sports 710-AM, Mariners.com, and the MLB App.
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