Cal and Randy Just Reminded Seattle Why This Mariners Team Is Dangerous
Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena are officially back as Seattle Mariners teammates, and Thursday night's box score told the whole story. These two All-Stars, who were at the center of a World Baseball Classic controversy last week, just put on a clinic together during a six-run inning that had to feel good for everyone involved.
The Inning That Changed Everything
The Mariners were down 3-1 when Arozarena stepped up off the bench in the top of the seventh with runners on second and third and one out. He worked an infield single that got Seattle on the board and cut Oakland's lead to 3-1. But Arozarena, who crushed his first spring homer on Wednesday, wasn't finished doing damage.
He stole second on the next pitch, which set him up perfectly to score on a Ryan Bliss single that tied the game at 3-3. The momentum was building. After a Brock Rodden single and Luke Raley getting hit by pitch loaded the bases, it was Raleigh's turn. Big Dumper came through in the clutch with a bases-clearing double off the tall wall in center field at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. That two-run shot gave Seattle the lead and capped off the six-run explosion.
Past Drama, Present Success
Remember that handshake that never happened when Arozarena stepped to the plate for Mexico with Raleigh catching for Team USA during the Classic? It looked like that tension might linger. But as the saying goes, winning cures everything. Two runs and a bases-clearing double later, it seems like whatever awkwardness existed is officially water under the bridge.
This kind of chemistry matters heading into the regular season. The Mariners are projected to repeat as AL West champions, and having your All-Stars clicking together on the same page is exactly what you want to see during spring training.
Next up: the stretch run of spring training, where every at bat counts toward figuring out who makes the opening day roster. If Raleigh and Arozarena keep playing like this, the Athletics better watch out. The rest of the AL West should too.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Seattle Mariners.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.