Yankees Conquer Mariners 11-5: Grisham's Two Home Runs, Schmidt's Solid Start, and Hancock's Struggles

Seattle witnessed a New York Yankees offensive explosion on May 12, 2025, as they defeated the Seattle Mariners 11-5. Trent Grisham led the charge with two home runs, while Clarke Schmidt delivered a quality start for the Yankees. On the other side, Emerson Hancock struggled on the mound for the Mariners.

The game, played at T-Mobile Park under partly cloudy skies, saw the Yankees overcome an early deficit to dominate both at the plate and on the mound. Let's dive into the key moments and performances that defined this game.

Game Summary

The Mariners initially took the lead in the first inning thanks to a solo home run by Julio Rodríguez. However, the Yankees responded in the third when Trent Grisham launched his 11th home run of the season, tying the game at 1-1. The Mariners briefly regained the lead in the bottom of the third with a solo shot from Jorge Polanco, making it 2-1.

The Yankees' bats truly came alive in the fifth inning. Grisham once again went yard, tying the game at 2-2 with his 12th homer of the season. This was followed by a series of hits, including an RBI single by Paul Goldschmidt and another by Cody Bellinger, pushing the Yankees ahead 4-2. Austin Wells capped off the inning with a three-run homer, extending the lead to 7-2. The Yankees added another run in the seventh via a sacrifice fly by Wells, making it 8-2.

The Mariners attempted a comeback in the late innings, with Dylan Moore hitting an RBI single in the seventh and Cal Raleigh connecting for a two-run homer in the eighth, narrowing the gap to 8-5. However, the Yankees responded emphatically in the ninth, as Anthony Volpe blasted a two-run home run, followed by an RBI sacrifice fly from Aaron Judge, sealing the victory at 11-5.

Key Performances

Trent Grisham (Yankees): 2 HR, 2 RBI
Austin Wells (Yankees): HR, 4 RBI
Clarke Schmidt (Yankees): 6 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 6 K
Julio Rodríguez (Mariners): HR, RBI
Jorge Polanco (Mariners): HR, RBI

Trent Grisham's performance earned him particular praise. "I feel like my mentality is in the right place," Grisham said, reflecting on his early-season success. "I’m not going up there trying to do it there, just kinda coming, and I’m just putting really good swings on the ball right now."

Pitching Matchup

Clarke Schmidt delivered a quality start for the Yankees, pitching six innings and allowing three earned runs while striking out six. His performance was particularly impressive as he retired 11 straight Mariners hitters at one point. However, he did concede two solo home runs, which were the only blemishes on his outing.

Emerson Hancock, on the other hand, struggled for the Mariners, lasting only five innings and allowing seven earned runs on eight hits. He also issued four walks and surrendered three home runs. Hancock's ERA climbed to 6.91 following this outing.

Highlight Plays

Oswaldo Cabrera Injury

The victory was bittersweet for the Yankees, as Oswaldo Cabrera sustained a serious ankle injury while sliding into home plate in the ninth inning. An ambulance was called onto the field, and Cabrera was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. The injury cast a pall over the Yankees' win, with players expressing their concern for their teammate.

“That's terrible,” Judge said about the Cabrera injury. “Especially with how much Cabrera means to this team. For him to get hurt on a play like that, just kinda speaks to the guy he is. We got a little bit of a lead, and he’s still fighting until the very last out. Everyone in here feels terrible because we just know how much he works, how hard he works, and how much he cares for everybody in this room… You never like seeing that happen to anybody but especially a guy like that.”

Up Next

The Yankees will look to secure the series win tomorrow with Max Fried on the mound. The Mariners will counter with Bryan Woo. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.

This game showcased the Yankees' offensive firepower and Schmidt's ability to deliver a quality start. However, the injury to Cabrera serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the game can take. As the series continues, both teams will look to build on their performances while hoping for better health.

Yankees celebrate a home run against the Mariners.

Clarke Schmidt's Performance Breakdown

Clarke Schmidt's outing against the Mariners was a mixed bag of solid execution and costly mistakes. He pitched six innings, allowing three hits and three earned runs, while striking out six. Two of those hits, however, were solo home runs that accounted for all the runs he allowed. A breakdown of his pitches reveals that he relied heavily on his cutter (34%), knuckle curve (24%), and sweeper (22%), with the sinker (18%) and fastball (2%) playing smaller roles.

Despite the two home runs, Schmidt managed to keep the Mariners' offense at bay for the majority of his outing. He worked efficiently, throwing 92 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. His ability to mix his pitches effectively and generate strikeouts was a key factor in his success. However, the two mistakes he made were deposited into the stands, highlighting the fine line between success and failure at the major league level.

Emerson Hancock's Struggles

For Emerson Hancock, the game was a tough learning experience. He lasted only five innings, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits. He also walked four batters and allowed three home runs. Hancock struggled to keep the Yankees' hitters off balance, and they took advantage of his mistakes.

A pitch breakdown shows that Hancock was unable to consistently locate his pitches, leading to hittable counts and, ultimately, the Yankees' offensive outburst. This outing will likely serve as a valuable lesson for the young pitcher as he continues to develop and refine his skills.

Game ended at 9:44 PM.

Game Dynamics and Statistical Insights

The game's statistics provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play. The Yankees' offense was potent, with 15 hits, including four home runs and three doubles. Their ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position was also a key factor, as they went 4-for-14 with RISP. The Mariners, in contrast, managed only six hits and struggled to string together consistent offense.

From the Yankees Game Thread, the bot provided a comprehensive statistical overview, including batting, pitching, and fielding metrics. This detailed analysis underscores the Yankees' dominance in key offensive categories and highlights the areas where the Mariners fell short.

Another key moment in the game was Oswaldo Cabrera's sliding catch in foul territory, which helped Clarke Schmidt retire the Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning. This defensive gem showcased Cabrera's athleticism and contributed to Schmidt's overall success on the mound.

IT'S WHAT YOU WANT: The Yankees defeated the Mariners by a score of 11-5.

Fan Reactions and Sentiments

On Reddit, fan reactions were a mix of excitement and concern. Yankees fans celebrated the team's offensive explosion and Schmidt's quality start, but the injury to Oswaldo Cabrera dampened the mood. Many expressed their hopes for a speedy recovery and acknowledged the impact Cabrera has on the team.

Mariners fans, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with Hancock's performance and the team's overall struggles at the plate. Some questioned the team's approach and called for adjustments to be made moving forward. Despite the loss, there was still optimism about the team's potential and a desire to see them bounce back in the next game.

Historical Context: Jeter's Debut

Adding an interesting historical note, a Reddit post highlighted that on May 29th, 1995, the Yankees faced the Mariners, marking Derek Jeter’s debut. This moment serves as a reminder of the rich history between these two franchises and the significance of every game played.

Looking Ahead

As the series continues, both teams will be looking to make adjustments and improve their performance. For the Yankees, maintaining their offensive momentum and getting consistent starts from their pitching staff will be key. For the Mariners, finding a way to generate more offense and getting a strong outing from Bryan Woo will be essential to turning the tide.

Beyond the immediate series, both teams have their sights set on larger goals. The Yankees, with their potent offense and solid pitching, are aiming to contend for a division title and make a deep playoff run. The Mariners, with their mix of young talent and veteran leadership, are hoping to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a force in the American League.

Additional Notes

In addition to the game itself, there was also some discussion on Reddit about the A's vs. Yankees tickets in Sacramento. This reflects the broader interest in baseball and the desire to see these teams compete, regardless of the location.

Overall, the Yankees' victory over the Mariners was a game filled with excitement, drama, and standout performances. While the injury to Oswaldo Cabrera cast a shadow over the win, the Yankees will look to carry their momentum into the next game and continue their pursuit of a championship.