Pineda dazzles on and off the field

Michael Pineda delivered in his home debut going 7 1/3 innings, giving up 1 earned run on five hits while striking out 7 and walking 2. This is a kid we are going to get to know because he wants us to. He tackles the interviews as gamely as he does the opposing hitters. After his first big league win I sat him down for his first post game one on one radio interview. His left hand was swollen from getting hit earlier in the game but no matter he said, it was his left hand. “If it was my right hand I would pitch too,” he added.

He had just been presented with the game ball. On it was his name and the date of his first win. What was he going to do with it? “I am going to call home and tell them all about it,” he said. “Then tomorrow have all of my teammates sign it.”

He then placed the ball in his locker and turned his focus to the interview. Give it a listen and start to get to know Michael Pineda.