Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (5/19)

RHP MICHAEL PINEDA was signed as a non-drafted free by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic on December 12, 2005.

SUMMERTIME: In his first professional season, Pineda pitched for Seattle’s team in the Dominican Summer League. He was 2-1 in eight games (three starts) with a 0.44 ERA during the 2006 season.

DR REDUX: Pineda repeated the DSL in 2007 and went 6-1 with a 2.29ERA over 15 games (12 starts). Pineda struck out 48 and walked 11 over 59 innings pitched last year.

MVP: Seattle named Pineda the Most Valuable Pitcher of their Dominican Summer League affiliate for his performance last season.

SIX IN A ROW: Pineda won six consecutive decisions from June 19 through August 4 last season.

BREIFLY IN THE LEAD: Pineda’s performance on May 14 gave him enough innings pitched to lead the Midwest League in ERA with a 0.63. However, the next day, he did not have enough innings to qualify. After tonight, 32 innings will be needed to qualify in the ERA race. Pineda has tossed 28.2 innings so far in 2008.

LAST START: Pineda faced the Burlington Bees on May 14 at home. He allowed one run on seven hits over five innings and got a no decision. Pineda walked two and struck out, but left the game after hitting the leadoff batter in the top of the sixth inning with the game tied 1-1. Wisconsin went on to win the game 3-1 with a pair of runs in the eighth inning.

THE STREAK: Pineda tossed 21-1/3 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a third inning run in the start against Burlington on May 14.

VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: This is Pineda’s second start against the Kernels this season. He pitched 6-1/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, struck out four, and did not walk a batter on May 9 in Grand Chute. Pineda was not involved in the decision and the Rattlers lost 5-0.

REMATCH: Pineda’s mound opponent tonight is Michael Anton. He squared off with Anton on May 9. The Kernel lefty tossed a complete game, four-hit shutout.

THE START OF 2008: Pineda won his first two appearances for the Rattlers. He picked up a win in relief in the first game of a doubleheader at Quad Cities on April 5 and another win with two innings of scoreless relief against Fort Wayne on April 16.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.1 (vs. Cedar Rapids 5/9)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (@ Lansing 5/2/08)