Michael Pineda shines as the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 4-0 – MLB Update
The Seattle Mariners’ rookie pitcher, Michael Pineda once again had a remarkable day with the ball, as he got five strike-outs in Club’s 4-0 victory over their league rivals Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field in Washington on Friday, April 22.
The 22-year-old pitcher kicked the game off impressively with two early strike-outs in first inning. Pineda then kept up the momentum, allowing just two walks and five hits in six innings to earn his third consecutive win of the season.
The Seattle’s Manager Eric Wedge was pleased with the hurler, who became the first player in the history of the Club to pitch four consecutive quality starts. Wedge said, "For a young man, he has a strong focus out there. He doesn't let things speed up on
him and you have to keep pitching and I think that's the most important part of that."
Pineda’s spell might have extended if he did not have to pitch to a racked second inning. He tossed 31 pitches and permitted successive walks to lead off before striking-out Kevin Kouzmanoff and Mark Ellis. Pineda, who permitted just three hits in first
five innings, got into trouble in sixth, but removed the threat taking Kurt Suzuki. Until now, Pineda’s pitch count has increased and the skipper relieved him to avoid any trouble.
Michael was happy with the change-over he made in third inning that boosted him as a more difficult ball thrower for the opponents. Pineda said, "My slider now, it's better. In spring training, sometimes it was good, but now since I first started here my
slider has been pretty good."
Pineda got strong back-up in the form of reliever David Pauley, Aaron Laffey, Jamey Wright and closer Brandon League. Only Wright gave two hits out of theses pitchers. League achieved his fifth save of the season.
At bats, Jack Wilson started the game with an RBI single in the second inning and Jack Cust added an RBI single in the fifth taking the lead to 2-0. Adam Kennedy, who was the hero of the last game, touched a two-run single in the fifth inning and posted
a 4-0 lead and remained unbeaten until end.
The Athletics’ starter Tyson Ross tossed just four innings, allowed three runs on four hits and four walks for his second loss of the season. Looking at Ross’ bad outing, the Athletics’ skipper Bob Geren relieved him with Jerry Blevins, but he gave a run
on his early pitches.
Geren, however, had some relief from closers Brad Ziegler, David Purcey and Craig Breslow as all these pitchers did not give up a run in their short spells.
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