Mariners Eye Big Series Win as Emerson Hancock Looks to Bounce Back Against Padres

The Seattle Mariners opened their three-game series against the San Diego Padres with a powerful 5-1 victory on Friday night. It marked the start of a crucial 10-game road trip, and rookie pitcher Logan Evans set the tone with a poised and effective performance. Now, all eyes turn to Emerson Hancock, who takes the mound on Saturday looking to lock up the series win and build some personal momentum in what has been a rocky season so far.

Hancock’s Redemption Opportunity

Emerson Hancock enters Saturday’s matchup with a 1-2 record and a troubling 6.91 ERA. His most recent outing—a tough 11-5 loss to the New York Yankees—highlighted ongoing struggles. Over five innings, Hancock surrendered seven runs on eight hits, including three home runs, and issued four walks.

Perhaps more telling is his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched), which sits at an uncomfortable 1.71. Simply put, too many batters are reaching base, and it’s costing Seattle when power-hitting lineups capitalize.

Despite these issues, Hancock remains undeterred. “Losing stinks and it’s part of it,” he said after the Yankees loss. “I didn’t feel like I did my job. I made a couple of mistakes, and they made me pay. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to keep going after them.”

There are silver linings: Hancock pitched against the Padres once before, delivering five strong innings with only one earned run in a no-decision on August 9, 2023. Additionally, he’s shown a modest edge against National League teams, posting a 4.11 ERA over seven starts.

Seattle’s Offensive Surge

The Mariners’ offense was electric in Game 1 of the series, collecting 10 hits and launching three home runs courtesy of J.P. Crawford, Rowdy Tellez, and Cal Raleigh. This outburst followed a disappointing 1-5 homestand where the bats largely went quiet.

Seattle, currently seventh in Major League Baseball in home runs with 59, demonstrated their ability to bounce back, reverting to the form that helped them win nine straight series earlier this season.

Nick Pivetta: Padres’ Trusted Arm at Home

Opposing Hancock will be right-hander Nick Pivetta (5-2, 3.05 ERA), who’s been dominant at home this season. He boasts a 4-0 record with just four runs allowed in 25 1/3 innings at Petco Park. Though he was hit hard in his last outing—allowing six runs over four innings in Colorado—Pivetta remains confident. “Just a one-off. Flush it and move on,” he said postgame.

Pivetta has also faced the Mariners five times in his career, compiling a respectable 3.23 ERA with 40 strikeouts across 31 1/3 innings. However, he’s been vulnerable to the long ball, giving up six homers to Seattle hitters over those matchups.

Padres Searching for Offensive Consistency

San Diego’s bats were silent in Game 1, managing just one run on eight hits and snapping Manny Machado’s 14-game hitting streak. That flat showing starkly contrasted with their previous six-game stretch, where the team averaged nearly nine runs per game, including a staggering 21-run explosion on May 10 against Colorado.

The question for San Diego becomes whether Friday’s slump was a mere blip or a warning sign of deeper offensive inconsistencies. Don’t Miss The Latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Game 2 Outlook

Saturday’s clash at Petco Park is more than just another regular season game. For Seattle, it’s a chance to prove they can rally on the road and regain early-season momentum. For Emerson Hancock, it’s an opportunity to reset, refine, and show the poise expected from a top prospect.

Meanwhile, the Padres hope that their ace at home, Nick Pivetta, can halt the Mariners’ momentum and spark another offensive outburst.

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