Phils’ Happ posts first big league shutout
ATLANTA — What happens behind clubhouse doors, stays behind clubhouse doors in the big leagues.
But J.A. Happ and the Philadelphia Phillies definitely responded to the closed door team meeting prior to Saturday’s game in interleague play against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada.
Happ, the 26-year-old left-handed pitcher out of St. Bede Academy, pitched his first career shutout, a 10-0, four-hit gem. He was backed by the offensive explosion of Chatham, Ill. product Jayson Werth, who had two home runs.
“That was fun,” Happ said Monday afternoon from Atlanta, where the Phillies were awaiting the start of Tuesday’s three-game series. “We definitely haven’t been playing the way we know we can. We had a closed door meeting type of thing and our team responded really well. We came out and scored some runs and fortunately I pitched well.”
Happ was not at liberty to divulge what was said in the meeting, other than it was just what the team needed to right its ship, having lost 11 of its 13 previous games.
“Some things needed to be said and people took it the right away. It’s not a big deal. It shows the group we have,” he said.
Happ pitched strong in his first three starts of the season following 12 appearances in relief, but struggled over his last three. Though he didn’t get a loss, he saw his ERA climb from 2.48 to 3.47, uncharacteristically walking 14 batters in 17 innings while surrendering 23 hits and 11 earned runs.
On Saturday, he regained his control and command of his change-up. The first thing he said he did was to attack the strike zone.
“For whatever reason I lost the strike zone and was struggling with my control,” he said. “I tried to get strike one and if we didn’t, we tried to get it the next pitch.”
The Phillies lefty said his change-up came into play for him this game, something he’s been working on to get that feel back for it.
“Last year it was a big pitch for me, but hadn’t used it out of the bullpen,” he said.
Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said “the kid pitched great.”
Now 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, Happ said Saturday’s win is a good one to build on.
Happ enjoyed watching Werth’s moon shot into the upper deck of the Rogers Center in the first inning.
“I lost (site of) the ball at first, then I saw it up at the top deck. It was impressive,” he said.
Happ joked it’s much better to watch a shot like that from the dugout than from the mound.
“I don’t think I’d have to turn around and watch something like that one to know it was going out,” he said.
That’s one thing Happ didn’t have to worry about Saturday — hit. The National League pitchers take the day off from the batter’s box when they visit the home park of an American League team for Interleague play
“It’s different. I didn’t have to worry about hitting,” he said. “I’m still looking for that elusive first hit, hopefully I’ll have more chances.”
He said it’s a good thing the interleague games are over with because “(the American League) hasn’t treated us real well, this year. It’s neat for the fans.”
Happ said he was spending Monday’s off day “just bumming around Atlanta.” He will throw a bullpen session Tuesday and get some work in the weight room as he continues his progression for his next start Friday at home against the Mets.
The hardest day between starting assignments, he said, is the day after a start with a long cardio session, which he did Sunday.
Atlanta’s Turner Field always bring a smile to Happ’s face, having recorded his first big league win during last year’s pennant drive, one he will not soon forget.
“First win ... 17th of September (2008). It’s nice to get back into the park,” he said.
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