Seattle Mariners Game Recap: J.A. Happ Gets Roughed Up Again

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Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder

Matt Kemp

(27) runs to first during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

8. 127. Final. 5. 62

The San Diego Padres overhauled their roster this winter, and many of the new additions played key roles in today’s victory. J.A. Happ (1-3, 7.90 ERA) was awful on Sunday afternoon in Peoria for the Mariners, and suffered his 3^rd loss of the spring. Andrew Cashner (3-0, 2.45 ERA) notched his 3^rd victory of spring training, and his 2^nd consecutive against the Mariners. Dale Thayer came on in the 9^th inning to record the save.

The Padres jumped all over Happ in the 1^st inning of today’s game. Wil Myers sent the first pitch of the game over the fence in left-center field to give the Padres a quick 1-0 lead. Happ got Yangervis Solarte to fly out, but Matt Kemp clubbed a solo home run off the batters eye in center field. Following a pair of singles from Justin Upton and Derek Norris, Jedd Gyorko made it 3-0 by singling to right field.

The Padres tacked on 2 more runs to their lead in the bottom of the 3^rd inning. Justin Upton led off the frame by doubling on a line drive to left field. Will Middlebrooks worked a 6-pitch walk to give the Padres runners on first and second with none out. Upton hustled around from second base to score on a Derek Norris single to center field. Jedd Gyorko added another RBI to his tally when Middlebrooks scored on his bloop single to right field.

Jabari Henry was a last second add to the Mariners’ lineup, and he came through in a big way this afternoon. Henry led off the top of the 4^th inning by tattooing an Andrew Cashner fastball deep to left field. Henry hit 30 home runs last season for the High Desert Mavericks in 2014, and he showed some big league pop today. The Mariners trailed 5-1 heading to the bottom of the 4^th inning.

San Diego’s bats were difficult to contain on Sunday, and they extended their lead back to 5 runs in the bottom of the 4^th. Cameron Maybin dropped a looper in front of Jabari Henry in right field. Henry misplayed the ball, and Maybin made it all the way to third base on what should have been a single. Matt Kemp hit an RBI groundout to first base to give the Padres a 6-1 lead after 4.

The Mariners did not give up on Sunday afternoon in Peoria, and they plated 3 runs in the 7^th inning to shrink the Padres lead to just 2. After a Rickie Weeks groundout, Logan Morrison showed great patience working a 6-pitch walk. Then, Dustin Ackley and his glorious beard connected on a 2 run dinger to left-center field.

The M’s were not finished in the top of the 7^th. Mike Zunino singled, and Rayder Ascenio walked to give the Mariners runners on first and second with one out. Jabari Henry made it 6-4 after singling to center field.

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The Mariners made it a 1 run game in the top of the 8^th inning. Patrick Brady led off the inning with a walk, and stole second base to put himself in scoring position. The man with the best name in baseball, Burt Reynolds plated Brady on a 2 out triple to center field. The score was 6-5 heading to the bottom of the 8^th inning.

Unfortunately, this was as close as Seattle could get on Sunday afternoon. Speedster Trea Turner reached base on a throwing error by shortstop Rayder Ascenio to open the Padres’ 8^th. Tyson Gillies doubled on a weak hit to right field to put runners on second and third with 1 out. Turner scored on a Tommy Medica ground out, and Gillies came across to score on a Cory Spangenberg single. The Padres took a commanding 8-5 lead into the 9^th inning.

The full box score can be found here.

Next: J.A. Happ Disappoints Again

Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ (33) on the mound during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ has failed to live up to expectations this spring, and Sunday was just another example of his ineptitude. Happ surrendered 6 runs on 11 hits across 5.0 innings this afternoon. He struck out 3 Padres, and walked 2. The long ball once again hurt him, as he allowed a pair of dingers in today’s game. Happ had trouble locating his pitches, and just 55 of his 92 pitches found the strike zone.

The Mariners acquired Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason, and he has thus far been a disappointment. He sports a record of 1-3, and an ERA of 7.90 across 13.2 innings pitched. He has been touched up for 12 earned runs, and 4 home runs. The 32-year-old southpaw has struck out 9, and walked 6. Including today’s game, Happ has given up 22 hits.

Happ is well known for his fly ball tendencies, and thus the Mariners were not anticipating a great spring playing under the hot Arizona sun, but he has been much worse than anyone anticipated. However, his performance this spring has no real impact on the 2015 season. Many players over the years have produced great seasons after stinking up the joint in spring training.

Next: The #AckAttack is Back!

Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Dustin Ackley (13) rounds the bases during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Ackley led the way offensively on Sunday afternoon against the Padres. He finished the game 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s and 1 run scored. He hit the ball hard today, connecting on a double in the 5^th inning, and a home run in the 7^th. Ackley also played sound defense in left field today.

Ackley has had a great spring for Seattle, and after today’s game he is hitting .366 across 41 at bats. He has clubbed 1 home run, and has tallied 10 RBI’s. From mid July to September 1, Ackley was arguably the Mariners’ best hitter. The M’s brought in Rickie Weeks to platoon out in left field in 2015, but expectations are high for the bearded wonder. The 27-year-old has always had big time potential, but last season he showed glimpses of why Seattle has stuck with him through his tough times.

Next: There is a lot to like about Tyler Olson

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Tyler Olson poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Olson allowed 2 runs on 2 hits across 1 inning this afternoon, but neither of the runs were earned. Olson had mostly minor leaguers behind him this afternoon, and their inexperience tarnished his stat line. Olson struck out 2 Padres, and did not issue any free passes. Olson has rapidly built himself quite a resume this spring.

David Rollins was considered the favorite to be the second southpaw in the Mariners’ bullpen, but Olson seems to have taken his spot following Rollins’ 80 game suspension for PEDs. Olson has yet to give up an earned run across 10.2 innings this spring. The Gonzaga alum has posted 13 strikeouts, and has not allowed a walk.

Look for Tyler Olson to head north to Seattle with the Mariners next week, and make his big league debut sometime in early April.

Next: Looking Ahead

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

The Seattle Mariners will look to get back on track Monday afternoon against the Los Angeles Angels. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PST from the Peoria Sports Complex. Taijuan Walker (2-0, 0.00 ERA) has been unbelievable this spring for the Mariners, and he will look to keep the good times rolling against the rival Angels. Nick Tropeano (0-0, 3.48 ERA) will get the ball for the Halos tomorrow afternoon. Monday’s game will be broadcast live on Root Sports Northwest, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

Next: Mariners’ Prospect Victor Sanchez Dead at 20

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