Seattle Mariners Game Recap: M’s Can’t Overcome Mental Miscues

Apr 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker during the first inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Tai Walker Looked Overmatched Tonight

Taijuan Walker was lit up in his first outing of the season last week in Oakland, and he did not fare much better this evening. Walker allowed 5 runs on 6 hits across 4 innings Wednesday night in Chavez Ravine. He walked 4 Dodgers, and struck out just 3. Of his 76 pitches, only 46 landed in the strike zone. He struggled with location once again on Wednesday, and he looked dazed and confused on the mound.

I had really high hopes for Tai tonight. He appeared to be very excited to pitch in front of his friends and family on Jackie Robinson Day. Perhaps he was too amped up, and he was unable to control his emotions. Walker looked like he was going to be sick during the first inning.

Fans were hoping for a breakthrough year from the 22-year-old right-hander, but thus far he has been a massive disappointment. Walker was brilliant in Spring Training, allowing just 2 runs across 27 innings, but he has allowed 14 runs across 7.1 innings this season. It is fair to wonder if a demotion to Tacoma would be wise for Walker at this time.

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