Mariners Game Recap: Happ Strikes Out 9 in Win

Apr 28, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ K’s 9 in Win

J.A. Happ has been huge for Seattle this month, and he was effective once agin tonight against the Rangers. Happ allowed 1 run on 6 hits across 6.2 innings pitched. He struck out a season high 9 hitters, and walked just 1. Happ demonstrated impressive command throughout, as 66 of his 97 pitches this evening found the strike zone. The 9 punch outs were the 32-year-old southpaw’s highest tally since August 7 of last season.

It is fair to say that nobody anticipated the Northwestern alum would be so useful for the Mariners in 2015. After producing mediocre results for much of his first 9 seasons, Happ has gone 2-1 and posted a measly 2.30 ERA across 27 innings in a Mariners’ uniform. His 18:3 strikeout to walk ratio is very impressive, as is his 1.074 walks/hits per inning. J.A. has been Seattle’s second best pitcher this season, and he is showing no signs of letting up.

Happ will get the ball next for the M’s on Sunday afternoon in Houston against the Astros.

Next: Nelson Cruz has 3-Hit Night