Michael Pineda comments on leaving early as Seattle Mariners edge past Minnesota Twins 5-4
Michael Pineda started for the Seattle Mariners as they beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Wednesday, September 21 at Target Field in Minneapolis.
The young rookie was unable to pitch beyond the first innings as manager Eric Wedge took him out after he conceded two runs in his stint on the mound. The club went on to win the encounter and the player had a few words to share in the post-match press address.
The player is not accustomed to life in the Major League and he has been learning about the circuit and the English language throughout the campaign. He spoke plainly on what had transpired on Wednesday.
"I didn't pitch a great game today, but I'm excited because I had a great year," said Pineda. "I'm proud of me."
The hurler gave up two runs from six hits and two walks. His earned runs average climbed to 3.74 but it still is a good standing for the season. The star gave the first run to Ben Revere, who scored on a Chris Parmelee single to left-field in the first.
The second run came in the fourth when Joe Benson smashed a double deep to centre-field, leading Trevor Plouffe home.
"My arm was not very strong today," Pineda said, "and I tried off-speed, a couple changeups and to pitch in the corners because my fastball was not very hard."
Pineda however did not lose the encounter as Ichiro Suzuki led a fight against the Twins in the sixth inning. The player is currently 9-10 and that is a good statistical standing in the Major League for a rookie in an average team like the Mariners. The
player has started 27 games and he is expected to face one more fixture before the season concludes.
"When you look up and see his numbers and the consistency with which he's pitched as a rookie pitcher, it's pretty incredible stuff," Wedge said.
If Pineda finishes the season with 10 wins, the Mariners will be looking to work on increasing that tally in the off season, before the new campaign kicks off in 2012.
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