Hancock enters rare Mariners company with dazzling outing

Emerson Hancock tossed six no-hit innings and struck out a career-high nine batters in the Seattle Mariners’ 8-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

The latest on Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford’s IL stint

In doing so, Hancock became just the second pitcher in Mariners history to record at least nine strikeouts over six-plus innings of no-hit ball.

The other? Félix Hernández, who achieved the feat during his perfect game in 2012 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

That’s some pretty good company.

Hancock also was the first Mariners pitcher to throw six-plus innings without allowing a hit since James Paxton’s no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.

Hancock retired 17 of the 19 batters he faced. Cleveland’s only base runners against him came on a first-inning José Ramírez walk and a sixth-inning CJ Kayfus hit by pitch.

Hancock exited to a standing ovation after inducing Steven Kwan to an inning-ending groundout to cap his masterful 97-pitch outing, which came on a chilly evening at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners led 6-0 at the time.

Guardians slugger Chase DeLauter broke up Seattle’s combined no-hit bid with a leadoff single off Cooper Criswell in the seventh. Cleveland finished with just two hits.

Hancock, a 2020 first-round draft pick, is the Mariners’ No. 6 starter. He’s filling in for Bryce Miller, who opened the season on the injured list with a strained oblique.

Hancock got six strikeouts with his four-seam fastball, two with his new-look sweeper and one with his sinker, according to Baseball Savant. His previous career high for strikeouts was seven, which he reached twice during the 2025 season.

Hancock, who made his MLB debut in August 2023, is coming off a strong spring. He totaled 21 strikeouts and only one walk in 15 innings across five Cactus League outings.

Hancock has allowed just three earned runs over 18 1/3 innings in three career starts against Cleveland.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Mariners win first ABS challenge and benefit from it
• Seattle Mariners have wild stat through their first two games
• Watch: Top prospect Colt Emerson homers in Rainiers’ opener
• How Logan Gilbert surprised during Mariners’ season opener
• Roster Moves: M’s place Carlos Vargas on IL, call up reliever

Related

MLB Division Series: Dodgers prepare to defend titles, AL gets juicy division showdownsMariners claim switch-hitting local product off waiversAL West: Uncertainty for Astros as manager Espada’s contract expires after wild-card sweepWho to watch in playoffs as potential M’s free-agent targetsPotential Mariners manager candidate Torey Lovullo staying in ArizonaThese four Mariners are set to become free agents