Royals defeat Mariners and the ghost of Randy Johnson, 3-2 in 10 innings
Emerson Hancock had the best start of his career, and the Royals spoiled it.
May 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch runner Michael Massey (19) slides home to score a run against the Seattle Mariners during the tenth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images If you needed more evidence that it’s no longer April, the Royals gave it to you tonight. Coming into May, the Royals were 1-5 in one-run games.
So far in May, they’re 2-0 in those games and in all games. For most of the game, that didn’t seem possible. Had the Mariners won, Emerson Hancock would be the story of this game.
I’m not sure he shouldn’t still be. On the night the Mariners retired Randy Johnson’s number in a pre-game ceremony, Hancock pitched seven one-run innings with a whopping 14 strikeouts. That’s not only the most of his career; it’s the most of anyone in MLB so far this year.
In case you were wondering, Hancock has never been a strikeout pitcher before. But the high heat was working for him tonight. You can refer to the game thread for a representation of how Hancock has looked this season; here’s the TJ Stats summary for Hancock tonight: Oh yeah, he didn’t walk any either.
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