Luke Raley's 7 RBIs and 2 Homers Just Woke Up the Mariners Bats and Chicago Has No Answer

The Mariners showed up in Chicago Friday night and reminded everyone why you don't sleep on this lineup. Luke Raley went absolutely nuclear at Rate Field, launching a grand slam and a three-run homer to rack up 7 RBIs and fuel a 12-8 victory. For Raley, it was his first multi-homer game in over three years, and both came at the same ballpark where he's now proving he belongs.

"That guy is so awesome," teammate Josh Naylor said after the game. "He works his tail off every single day. He studies like a madman. Great teammate. And I think, you know, the game rewards those types of great people where we can't be any prouder." High praise, and it was earned.

The Entire Lineup Showed Up

Raley wasn't flying solo either. Naylor went deep himself with a three-run homer and collected three hits total. Julio Rodriguez added a solo shot to the offensive onslaught. This wasn't a one-guy show, it was a reminder that when the Seattle bats get hot, they can carry games in a hurry. The White Sox have lost four of their last five games, and Friday night showed exactly why they're struggling to keep pace.

Castillo Bounces Back, Faces a Rested Anthony Kay

Now comes the test on Saturday. Luis Castillo (0-3, 6.29 ERA) takes the mound for Seattle after a solid bounce-back performance against Kansas City on Sunday. He pitched six innings, scattered four runs and six hits, and struck out five batters. It wasn't perfect, but it was a step forward after a rough April.

"Like I've said, sometimes there are obstacles that happen throughout the season," Castillo said through an interpreter. "And sometimes, there's bad luck. But it's not going to last the entire season." The numbers back him up: he's 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in four career starts against Chicago, with 28 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings. That's the kind of track record you want facing a lefty like Anthony Kay (1-1, 5.70 ERA) in a series where momentum is everything.

Kay's coming off a no-decision at San Diego where he gave up three runs over five innings. Saturday marks his first-ever start against Seattle. The Mariners have the chance to grab a series win if they keep swinging like they did Friday night.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.