Mariners Aim to Even Series Against Guardians

The Seattle Mariners (1-2) are set to face the Cleveland Guardians (2-1) in the fourth game of their series on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The Mariners are looking to even the series after losing two of the first three matchups. The game is scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. ET, with Seattle favored at -143 odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Last season, the Mariners clinched the AL West with a 90-72 record but fell short in the AL Championship Series. The Guardians, on the other hand, won the AL Central with an 88-74 record but were eliminated in the Wild Card Round. In their previous encounters, Seattle had a slight edge, going 4-2 against Cleveland last season.

Cleveland's recent roster changes include the signing of first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a one-year, $1.5 million deal and the promotion of top prospect outfielder Chase DeLauter. Meanwhile, Seattle has retained most of its roster from last year, adding second baseman Brendan Donovan, who had a strong 2025 season with a .287 batting average and 119 wRC+.

The matchup features Seattle's Emerson Hancock, who had a 4.90 ERA last season, against Cleveland's Slade Cecconi, who posted a 4.30 ERA. Both pitchers are looking to improve their performance after inconsistent outings in 2025. Hancock has shown potential, having pitched seven scoreless innings against Cleveland in his only start against them last season.

The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting expectations for a potentially high-scoring affair. Both teams have demonstrated offensive capabilities, with at least five runs scored in each of their three matchups so far this season. Seattle's Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs in 2025, is a player to watch, with prop bets suggesting he could hit another home run in this game.

Despite the Mariners' strong offensive history, they have struggled with strikeouts, ranking fourth in the league with a 32.1% strikeout rate early in the 2026 season. This trend raises concerns about their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities against Cecconi, who has been more effective on the road.

Analysts have noted that the Mariners' success hinges on Hancock's ability to deliver a solid performance. "Hancock averages just 16 pitches per inning, which could point to a deep outing," one analyst remarked, emphasizing the importance of his role in this game.

As the Mariners look to even the series, the outcome of this game could set the tone for the remainder of their season. Both teams will aim to build momentum as they navigate the early weeks of the 2026 MLB season.