Baseball

JR Ritchie Takes the Mound in Seattle as Braves Face Mariners

by
Richard Hayes
May 4, 2026

The Atlanta Braves, fresh off a sweep and their eighth consecutive series victory, continue to dominate Major League Baseball with the best record in the league. This impressive start marks their strongest beginning to a season since 1892, and they appear poised to maintain that momentum against the Seattle Mariners.

Making his mark in the 2026 season, rookie JR Ritchie is set to take the mound. With a commendable 2.92 ERA over his first two starts, Ritchie is honing his six-pitch arsenal and is eager to perform well in front of a familiar crowd. Growing up just outside Bainbridge Island, Washington, this matchup against the Mariners feels like a homecoming for the young pitcher.

Ritchie shared his thoughts with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chad Bishop, emphasizing his commitment to sticking to his routine and focusing on the ultimate goal: putting his team in the best position to win. With the support of local fans rallying behind him, Ritchie is ready to deliver an impressive performance.

On the opposing side, Logan Gilbert will be taking the mound for Seattle. With a 4.03 ERA over 38 innings across seven games this season, Gilbert is looking to turn his fortunes around, particularly against a quality lineup like the Braves. The right-hander boasts a strong seven-pitch repertoire, highlighted by his 95.4 mph four-seam fastball, but he will need to effectively utilize his breaking balls to keep Atlanta’s hitters off balance.

Gilbert’s ability to pitch deep into games has been a double-edged sword; as he settles in, opposing batters become more familiar with his offerings. To secure a successful outing, he must focus on getting ahead early and racking up strikes, which will be essential in his quest to bounce back from a challenging start to the season.

Game Date/Time: Monday, May 4, 9:40 p.m. EDT

Location: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.