Mariners starter Emerson Hancock throws 14 strikeouts on Randy Johnson jersey retirement night

Saturday was a day to celebrate former Seattle Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson, who became the fourth player in Mariners history to have his jersey number retired. And soon after, Seattle starter Emerson Hancock honored him by putting on a show.

Hancock pitched seven innings against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, throwing a whopping 14 strikeouts in 103 pitches. That’s the most strikeouts in one game by a pitcher this season.

Hancock’s outing was quite the way to commemorate Johnson’s legacy. Besides marking a career high for Hancocok, the pitcher becomes only the fourth in Mariners history to throw 14+ strikeouts and no walks, per the team — joining, among others, Randy Johnson, who achieved the mark twice with Seattle.

Johnson’s jersey was retired prior to the matchup against the Royals, with Johnson said that he was “grateful and honored” to become the second No. 51 to be retired by Seattle. The Mariners retired the jersey of Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro last summer.

“One number. Two players. Representing one team,” Johnson said in his speech on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the Mariners returned to classic form — i.e., blowing a narrow lead despite an incredible pitching performance. After a tight game, Kansas City forced things to go to extra innings after Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz allowed a game-tying run in the ninth. Then, in the 10th, Maikal Garcia hit a sacrifice fly to give the Royals the lead, but the Mariners were unable to meet the moment, leading to a 3-2 loss.

The Mariners honoring a proud tradition of brutal extra-innings losses aside, it was a great showing from Hancock, who began the year in the starting rotation while Bryce Miller is ramping back up from oblique injury.

However, Mariners manager Dan Wilson might considering keeping Hancock in the mix even once Miller returns. After six starts, Hancock has a better ERA and WHIP than any of the other starters. The 26-year-old right-hander is certainly performing better than Luis Castillo, who has yet to win any of his six starts.

Seattle will now try and avoid a homestand sweep with a third and final game against the Royals on Sunday, before hosting the Atlanta Braves next week.