Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (7/12)

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.

LAST START: Pineda allowed three runs on four hits over 5-1/3 innings versus Beloit at home on July 6. He walked four and struck out six. Pineda left the game with the Rattlers leading 3-2 with a runner on base in the sixth inning. The runner scored and Pineda received a no decision in an eventual 12-11 Rattler loss to the Snappers in 11 innings.

VS. FORT WAYNE: This is Pineda’s second appearance and first start against the Wizards this season. On April 16, Pineda pitched two scoreless innings in relief and picked up the victory on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers won 6-2 and Pineda struck out three without walking a batter.

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.

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.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (@ Cedar Rapids 6/26)
STRIKEOUTS: 7 {2x} (Last: @ Cedar Rapids 6/26)