Full Breakdown
Cal Raleigh Ends 0-for-38 Hitless Streak in Mariners’ 10-2 Win Over Astros
5/13/2026, 9:38:35 PM
Core Event
On May 12, 2026, Seattle beat Houston 10-2 at Daikin Park. Catcher Cal Raleigh singled off reliever Jayden Murray in the seventh inning, ending a 0-for-38 slump that began after his April 27 hit. He added a ninth-inning single, finishing 2-for-4 with three runs and a walk.
Background & Context
Raleigh entered 2026 as the 2025 American League MVP runner-up after a 60-home-run season. By early May his line fell to .166/.249/.325 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 40 games. The 38-at-bat hitless stretch was the longest in MLB this season and neared the Mariners’ franchise record of 0-for-42 set by Jarred Kelenic in 2021. Historically, the five longest MLB hitless streaks range from 45 to 54 at-bats.
Data & Statistics
Career average .222; 2025: .247 with 60 HR, 125 RBI. 2026 (through May 12): .166/.249/.325, .559 OPS, 55 K in 157 AB. Slump strikeout rate 16 K/38 AB. Batting average vs. 95 mph+ fastballs .069, down from .248 last season.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dan Wilson said the clubhouse had been “screaming for him” and expressed relief at the breakthrough. Pitcher Bryan Woo noted the need to “make light of it” after a prolonged slump. Teammates Luke Raleigh, J.P. Crawford, and Josh Naylor celebrated with pats, a hug, and a commemorative baseball.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts cited mechanical issues: a delayed leg kick, exit velocity dropping from 91.3 mph to 86.9 mph, and hard-hit rate falling from 49.6 % to 28.7 %. CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa warned that a .069 average against high-velocity fastballs indicates a timing problem beyond mental factors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports list the slump as 0-for-34, 0-for-36, or 0-for-38 before the hit. Some accounts say the ball given to Raleigh in the dugout was not the actual hit ball. No official clarification has been issued.
Why It Matters / Impact
Raleigh’s slump depressed Seattle’s team batting average below .200 and limited run production, affecting the Mariners’ standing near the AL West playoff cutoff. Ending the streak could restore confidence for the lineup’s middle-order power source and influence the team’s trajectory in the remaining series.
What’s Next
Seattle will start Bryce Miller against Houston on Wednesday while monitoring Raleigh’s approach and possible swing adjustments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Logan gave me some good advice to wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods,” — Cal Raleigh, catcher
- “I was kind of just, like, rolling my eyes because I knew everybody was going to be making a big deal about it,” — Cal Raleigh
- “We were all screaming for him, and it was a lot of relief, for sure, and I know it felt good for Cal,” — Dan Wilson, manager
- “We poke fun of him enough as it is, but I think you’ve got to make light of it,” — Bryan Woo, pitcher
