Seattle Mariners Game Recap: Royals Trounce M’s Again

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) looks on during the game against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

James Paxton was making just his second start of the spring on Friday night, and he looked rusty. Paxton lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits. Only 2 of those runs were earned, but Pax had serious command problems throughout. He struck out 1, and walked 3 on the night. Of the 68 pitches Pax hurled, only 36 found the strike zone. He was missing up and down, and inside and out. The only positive tonight was the fact that the Ladner, BC native threw close to 70 pitches, and exited the game healthy.

Paxton pitched 3 shutout innings last week in his first start of Spring Training against the Texas Rangers, but he was far from dominant. The 26-year-old southpaw has now allowed 5 runs, 2 earned across 7.0 innings pitched. Pax has issued 4 free passes, and has posted just 3 strikeouts. Jazzy James will look to finish on a high note next week in his final Cactus League start.

Next: Yoervis Medina’s Strong Spring Continues