Emerson Hancock is having the best year of his career, plain and simple, and tonight he steps onto the mound right here in the Emerald City to face a Cubs team that might be looking at last year’s tape. Don’t let them fool you, this ain’t the same Hancock they saw in Wrigley. Our guy has been lights out, especially lately, and the M’s need him to keep it rolling against a tough Chicago squad.
Hancock’s New Groove: No Walks, All Business
Over his last eight starts, Hancock has been absolutely electric, posting a stellar 2.72 ERA and a 1.279 WHIP. You want to know what makes a pitcher great? He doesn’t give away free passes, and Hancock is doing just that with a rock-solid 6.2 percent walk rate. That means he’s challenging hitters, forcing them to put the ball in play, and letting our defense go to work. The Cubs remember hanging nine runs on him in four innings back on June 21 last year, including a couple of dingers. But that was then, this is now. This version of Emerson Hancock is a whole new beast, and Chicago better be ready for it. This isn’t just a good stretch; this is career-best stuff, and every Mariner fan knows how huge that is for our rotation.
Boyd’s Mixed Bag: An Opening for Cal Raleigh?
On the other side of the mound is the Cubs’ lefty, Matthew Boyd. He’s had a pretty good run since coming back from his knee injury, rocking a 3.22 ERA and 1.179 WHIP over 10 starts and 67 innings. He’s been giving them length, which is always valuable. But here’s the thing: his last outing was a “four-homer clunker” against the Cardinals, and that was pretty shocking. That’s a crack in the armor, right there. Plus, he’s given up 12 home runs in those 10 starts. That’s a lot of long balls! Our own Cal Raleigh has already tagged Boyd for a home run in their small sample size matchup, and current Mariners are batting .226 against him. If Boyd is prone to giving up the long ball, you know our bats, especially guys like Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez, are licking their chops to make him pay.
Tonight’s game is on Mariners TV, KING 5, and @SeattleSports radio, so you know where to tune in. The Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, turns 56 today, but we’re hoping Hancock and the M’s give him a birthday present he won’t forget: a big fat L. This is another crucial game in August, and with Hancock dealing the way he is, it’s a must-watch to see him continue his best year against a team that historically had his number. Let’s show them how much he’s grown, Seattle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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