Colt Emerson Leads Mariners Past Guardians In Return to Ohio

CLEVELAND, OH – Some three years ago, Colt Emerson was tearing it up in the Muskingum Valley League for John Glenn, on his way to being named the Gatorade Player of the Year, right here in Ohio. Now, fast forward to 2026, he returns home for the first time as a pro, as the Mariners faced the Guardians in a true homecoming for Emerson.

“Being here is special. A lot of games growing up, coming here. So it’s going to be pretty surreal” said Emerson before game one of the series in Cleveland. “I love the game, you know? I respect the game, and I’m just so grateful to be here.”

Growing up a lifelong baseball fan in Ohio, Colt always knew this day would come, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to pinc himself every now and again when he puts on the Mariners jersey.

Emerson continued, “If ten-year old me can see me sitting here, see me on the field, that’s the only thing that matters. It’s been a fun journey.”

The game started slowly for Seattle, with no runs or even hits to talk about, at least until Emerson took the plate in the third. With one swing of the bat on an inside change up from left handed pitcher Joey Cantillo, he sent one into the right field seats for a home run in his first at bat back in his home state.

“I can’t even describe it” said Emerson, with a broad grin across his face after the game. “When I saw it go out, I took my time around the bases, just to look around, you know? You grew up playing here, and your first at bat, you hit a home run. It’s cool.”

Colt had quite the efficient ball game, reaching base three times with two walks, and accounting for two of the Mariners’ runs in the three to one victory. It is his first career multi-walk, and multi-run game in the major leagues.

Emerson continues to amaze his manager, Dan Wilson, each and every game.

“Like we’ve said before, he just sees the game and he senses the game and knows what to do in the right situation, and tonight was another example of that” said Wilson.

It’s another memorable moment in the remarkable rookie career of one of John Glenn High School’s finest, as Emerson continues to provide a much-needed spark for Seattle.

The Mariners are in Cleveland for two more games this weekend before heading back on Sunday night.