LOS ANGELES — Taijuan Walker continued to command the strike zone and excel with runners in scoring position, which helps explain why the Seattle Mariners' 22-year-old right-hander has reeled off four straight wins.
Walker pitched seven sharp innings Friday night, leading the Mariners to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Robinson Cano's home run and RBI doubles by Nelson Cruz and Brad Miller.
"I think there's just been a growth period for Taijuan," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "A young pitcher like Walker was going to have some ups and downs and there were going to be some struggles along the way.