Mariners Game Recap: M’s Rally, but Come Up Short

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 Allows 6 ER in 6 IP

J.A. Happ has been a steadying force in the M’s rotation over the first month of the season, but he struggled mightily this afternoon against the Astros. The veteran southpaw allowed 6 earned runs today on 7 hits across 6 innings pitched. He struck out 6 and issued 3 free passes. Happ had trouble locating his pitches, as only 56 of 94 pitches found the strike zone. Home runs were Happ’s achilles heel on Sunday, as 5 of the 6 Astro runs were scored via the long ball.

Today’s abysmal outing hurt Happ’s stats, but he is still one of the better Mariners’ hurlers in terms of numbers. The 32-year-old is 2-1 on the season and boasts a 3.51 ERA across 33.1 innings. Happ’s performance has been one of the few positives from the M’s disappointing first month of the season.

J.A. will get the ball next for the Mariners when they play host to the Oakland A’s on Saturday at Safeco Field.

Next: Austin Jackson Leaves Game with Ankle Injury