The Mariners are on a serious roll right now. They have won three series in a row, starting with the sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, and road series wins against the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers. The Mariners are in sole possession of first place, with a record of 13-12. Now they come home for one of the tougher homestands of the season, 3 with the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks and the current NL favorite Atlanta Braves.
The Diamondbacks come in with a 12-14 record, good for 3rd in the National League West. The Mariners and Diamondbacks have some history, as the Mariners sent Paul Sewald and Eugenio Suarez to the Diamondbacks. Sewald was traded for Dominic Canzone, who is currently on the injured list, and Josh Rojas, the Mariners' best hitter in 2024 so far. Suarez was traded for Seby Zavala, the current backup catcher, and a bullpen arm that has yet to debut with the Mariners. Both trades were not popular with Mariners fans, but the Sewald trade seems to be working out, at least so far.
Starting pitchers, April 26
- The Mariners will turn to rookie Emerson Hancock in game one. Hancock (2-2, 6.10 ERA) has been on a roll over his last two games against both the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies. Over that span, he has pitched to a 1-1 record, 12 innings, 8 hits, 3 earned runs, just 1 walk, and 8 punchouts. That earns him a 2.25 ERA in those twelve innings. Opponents are just hitting .182 with a .468 OPS over that span. Hancock has never faced anyone on the Diamondbacks so far in his short career, so look for him to be aggressive in the zone, and hopefully, he will walk away with the win again.
- As for the Diamondbacks, they will turn to their ace, Zac Gallen. Gallen (3-1, 3.00 ERA) is one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League and will be a tough matchup for the Mariners. He is coming off of his worst start of the short 2024 season, though. Against the San Francisco Giants, Gallen went just 5 innings, giving up 9 hits and 5 earned runs, while walking 1 and striking out 6. He gave up 2 home runs and even had 3 wild pitches. Hopefully, the Mariners will continue to be patient at the plate, and drive that pitch count up.
Mariners lineup, April 26
1. Josh Rojas, 3B
2. Julio Rodriguez, CF
3. Cal Raleigh, C
4. Mitch Haniger, RF
5. Jorge Polanco, 2B
6. Ty France, 1B
7. Mitch Garver, DH
8. Luke Raley, LF
9. Dylan Moore, SS
Diamondbacks lineup, April 26
1. Ketel Marte, 2B
2. Joc Pederson, DH
3. Loudes Gurriel Jr, LF
4. Christian Walker, 1B
5. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
6. Gabriel Moreno, C
7. Corbin Carroll, CF
8. Kevin Newman, SS
9. Pavin Smith, RF
Where can I stream tonights game?
Tonight's first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PST
MLB.tv (Subscription required)
fuboTV (Has a free trial)
Where can I watch tonight's game?
Mariners fans can watch the game on ROOT Sports NW
Diamondbacks can watch the game on dbacks.tv (Subscription required)
Where can I listen to tonight's game?
Mariners fans can listen to tonight's game on KIRO 710
D-Backs fans can listen on ESPN Phoenix 620
Stats for the day
- Ty France is 3/5 in his career against Zac Gallen, with a home run and an OPS of 1.800
- Mitch Garver is 2/6 in his career against Zac Gallen, with a home run and an OPS of 1.166
- Former Mariners closer Paul Sewald is currently on the injured list but will be making his return to the DBacks soon.
- Tonight former Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez makes his return to T-Mobile Park
- Former Mariner Ketel Marte is just the second position player to reach 2.0 WAR so far this season, only trailing Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (2.3 WAR)