Seattle’s Washburn continues sharp spring

PEORIA, Ariz. – The Seattle Mariners like what they see from Jarrod Washburn.

Washburn allowed one unearned run in four innings to help the Mariners beat Kansas City 4-3 in Cactus League play Wednesday.

The 31-year-old left-hander entered the game with a 1.50 ERA this spring and if not for his throwing error would have left with a clean slate against the Royals. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

“Everything was cutting, and that helped me stay ahead of the hitters,” Washburn said. “I feel good, and getting into a rhythm.”

Washburn battled injuries last season and has won just 19 games in 54 starts with Anaheim in the last two seasons. But Washburn is considered a key left-handed complement to young righty Felix Hernandez, and is taking measured steps during spring training.

“He’s coming along on schedule,” Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. “He’s keeping the ball down and is getting stronger each time out. Right now, he’s doing a good job, no complaints.”

The Mariners scored two runs in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead. Matt Lawton’s single scored Jose Lopez, and Raul Ibanez later drove in Lawton with a single to center.

Kansas City had a chance to tie it with two outs in the ninth. Joe McEwing singled to left, but Esteban German was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second. McEwing finished with four hits.

Joe Mays started for Kansas City and allowed three runs on six hits in five innings.

Notes

The Mariners are off today and resume Cactus League play Friday against San Diego in Peoria. … Infielder Willie Bloomquist remained sidelined with a cut on the pinkie finger of his right hand, but he was able to hit off a tee.