Seattle Mariners Game Recap: M’s Rock Rockies

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 was very effective on Friday night in Peoria. Happ hurled 4 shutout innings, scattering 2 hits and striking out 4 Rockies. Happ had solid command of all his pitches, and generated good movement on his slider tonight. Happ did walk 2 batters, but he also induced a pair of double plays.

Happ has hard a rough go of it this spring for the Mariners. This start made a big dent in his ERA, but he exits spring training with a disappointing 6.11 ERA across 17.2 innings pitched. He has allowed 24 hits, 4 of which were home runs. He has tallied 11 punch-outs, and has issued 8 free passes. Opponents have registered a sickening 1.811 walks/hits per inning against Happ in Cactus League action.

Tonight’s start was encouraging for Mariners’ fans. Happ is an 8-year veteran, and I doubt he was too concerned about his subpar performance this spring. However, many fans were not very confident in the newest member of the M’s starting rotation. Hopefully, Happ carries over tonight’s success into the regular season. Happ will make his official Mariners’ debut next week in Oakland against the Athletics.

Next: Brad Miller is Ready for Opening Day