Emerson Hancock bashed by Tigers in Seattle Mariners 9-6 loss
Emerson Hancock's season opener for the Seattle Mariners was a nightmare, as he lasted only ⅔ of an inning and surrendered six runs in a 9-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers wasted no time, bringing 11 batters to the plate in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Javier Báez. Carlos Vargas stepped in to limit further damage, pitching 3 ⅔ innings while allowing just one run. The Mariners showed resilience, scoring in four consecutive innings, with contributions from Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley, but the early six-run deficit proved too great. Detroit's offensive onslaught included 18 total hits, a stark contrast to Seattle's prior season's struggles against such high-scoring games.
Despite a late rally capped by Cal Raleigh's home run, the Mariners couldn't close the gap. This game marked the first time since 2020 that a Mariners starter allowed six runs in fewer than an inning. The loss highlights the ongoing challenges for Seattle's pitching staff as they seek to rebound this season.