Mariners starter Emerson Hancock strikes out 14 on Randy Johnson jersey retirement night ... but Seattle loses
Saturday was a day to celebrate Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, who became the fourth player in Mariners history to have his jersey number retired. And soon after, Seattle starter Emerson Hancock honored him by putting on a show.
Hancock pitched seven innings against the Kansas City Royals, striking out 14 — the most strikeouts in one game by a pitcher this season.
EMERSON HANCOCK STRIKES OUT HIS 14TH BATTER 🤯
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 3, 2026
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/dQWhB5FA9n
Hancock’s outing was quite the way to commemorate Johnson’s legacy. Besides setting a career high in K’s, Hancock became only the fourth pitcher in Mariners history to record 14-plus strikeouts and no walks, per the team, joining, among others, Randy Johnson, who accomplished the feat twice with Seattle.
Johnson’s jersey was retired before the game, with Johnson saying he was “grateful and honored” to become the second No. 51 to be retired by Seattle. The Mariners retired the jersey of Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro last summer.
Another legend added to the squad... 5️⃣1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/q4gXeMnYMt
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 3, 2026
“One number. Two players. Representing one team,” Johnson said in his speech Saturday.
Unfortunately, the Mariners returned to classic form, blowing a narrow lead despite an incredible pitching performance. After a tight game, Kansas City forced extra innings after Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz allowed a game-tying run in the ninth. Then, in the 10th, Maikel Garcia hit a sacrifice fly to drive in a run and give the Royals the lead and an eventual 3-2 win.
Despite the loss, it was a great showing from Hancock, who is in the starting rotation while Bryce Miller is ramping back up from an oblique injury.
However, Mariners manager Dan Wilson will likely consider keeping Hancock in the mix once Miller returns. After six starts, Hancock, 26, has a better ERA and WHIP than any of the team’s other starters.
Seattle will now try to avoid a home sweep Sunday before hosting the Atlanta Braves.