Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (5/9)

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.

LAST START: Pineda beat the Lansing Lugnuts with 5-1/3 shutout innings on May 2 in Lansing. He struck out a career high seven batters, walked one, and gave up three hits. Wisconsin beat the Lugnuts 5-2.

ONE RUN: Pineda has allowed one run in 17-1/3 innings pitched this season. He has not allowed a run in his 10-1/3 innings as a starter.

VS. CEDAR RAPIDS: This is Pineda’s first appearance against the Kernels and against an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

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: 6.0 (vs. DSL A’s 2 7/9/07)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 (@ Lansing 5/2/08)