Cal Raleigh Discusses Controversial Call in Mariners Loss

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was at the center of a pivotal play during the team's loss to the Athletics Monday night in West Sacramento, California. A controversial interference call against Raleigh in the tenth inning loaded the bases for the Athletics, generating discussion among fans and analysts.

With the score tied 6-6 in the bottom of the tenth and runners positioned on first and second base, Athletics second baseman Luis Urías hit a groundball. Home plate umpire Nestor Ceja immediately ruled catcher’s interference, awarding Urías first base.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson challenged the ruling on the field. Replay review confirmed Urías' bat grazed the lacing of Raleigh's glove during the swing. While the contact was minimal and appeared to have no impact on the hit, the call stood by definition of the rule.

Speaking on his weekly show, Raleigh stated he did not feel any contact occur live during the play. He expressed surprise that the umpire could discern the faint touch, acknowledging the call was accurate if contact happened as confirmed by replay.

Catcher interference calls have increased across the league recently. This trend is often linked to catchers positioning closer to the plate to assist pitchers with framing pitches.

Raleigh indicated that teams use scouting reports to identify batters known for long backswings or previous interference incidents. He specifically mentioned Urías as a player on whom to exercise caution regarding positioning. Raleigh conceded he might have been positioned slightly too close on the play.

Despite the bases-loaded situation created by the call, Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz escaped the jam without allowing a run. He struck out the next three batters to end the inning and send the game to the eleventh. Raleigh spoke with Muñoz during the review delay.

Muñoz previously allowed the ghost runner to score on a leadoff single to tie the game in the tenth. He maintained a 0.00 ERA entering the contest and leads the American League in saves.

Raleigh praised Muñoz's ability to perform in high-pressure situations. “I went out there and talked to him during that review call and just told him, ‘Hey, best on best. Whatever happens, happens, but give me your best stuff,’” Raleigh said. “And he went out there and got three huge punchouts, which was crazy.”