Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (8/9)

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.

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 to be in the lead. Pineda is currently fifth in the Midwest League ERA race with a 2.29.

LAST START: Pineda struck out a career high 11 batters in a win over Great Lakes on August 3. He pitched seven innings, scattered eight hits, walked none, and allowed two runs (one earned) in the game against the Loons. The Rattlers won 3-2 and Pineda has won two straight starts.

VS. KANE COUNTY: This is Pineda’s first ever appearance against the Cougars.

VS. OAKLAND: Pineda made 10 appearances (seven starts) against the #2 Oakland affiliate in the Dominican Summer League in 2007. He went 6-0 with a 2.18 ERA against that Oakland affiliate last season.

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: 11 (vs. Great Lakes 8/3)