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Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Taijuan Walker made the Cubs look like they were still in hibernation on Wednesday night in Peoria. Walker was brilliant, pitching 6 shutout innings of 2 hit ball. Prince Tai electrified the crowd, striking out 6 and allowing just 3 base runners. Perhaps most impressive, Walker was very efficient with his pitch count, and induced 9 groundouts.
With the 6 innings tonight, Prince Tai has now hurled 18 consecutive scoreless frames to start Spring Training. To say he has dominated is an understatement. Tai has recorded 19 punch-outs, while limiting the opposition to just 6 hits and 10 total base runners. His 0.555 WHIP is incredible, as is his 4.75 strikeout to walk ratio. Walker is not just the best pitcher for the M’s this spring; he is the best pitcher in all of baseball right now.
I think it is safe to say that after tonight’s performance Tai Walker is locked in as the number 5 starter in the Mariners’ starting rotation. Walker will be an All Star this year if he can produce anything close to his spring training numbers in the regular season.
Next: Robby Cano Looks Ready for Opening Day