Aaron Harang Surprises with Shutout of Padres

A rather mediocre, gloomy season saw a glimpse of brightened sunlight on Monday for Seattle Mariners starter Aaron Harang, who tossed a complete-game shutout against the San Diego Padres in a 9-0 victory.

Following two straight quality starts, Harang surrendered seven runs in 3.2 innings of work in his last outing on Tuesday, the third time in six starts this season that he has surrendered five or more runs in a game.

On Monday, Harang rebounded solidly for the Mariners, working nine scoreless innings and surrendering just four hits, along with eight strikeouts and two walks. Harang’s shutout was his first since 2009 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

Harang managed to lower his season ERA from a poor 8.58 to a more respectable (yet still robust) 6.51. The victory improved his record to 2-5 on the season, wherein he has posted a 35/7 strikeout to walk ratio in 37.1 innings.

Harang received plenty of run support, led by three home runs, a pair of solo shots by Jason Bay and Kelly Shoppach and a three-run shot by Michael Morse that capped a four-run first inning.

Seattle has now won two straight games after losing a season-high eight straight games. The Mariners find themselves fourth in the AL West standings with a 22-29 record, 10 games behind the division leading Texas Rangers.