Electric slider favors Pineda in big moments

NEW YORK — Michael Pineda has a bit of a reputation for talking to himself when he’s on the mound.

So when Pineda found himself in a bases-loaded jam with a one-run lead and one out in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ 5-0 win over the Orioles on Wednesday night, it should come as no surprise that he resorted to his old habit. But unlike in the past, when he’s yelled at himself or thrown verbal jabs to challenge himself, Pineda took a soothing approach.

“Just let it go,” Pineda said he told himself. “Just let it go. Keep fighting on the mound.”

Apparently, Pineda responds better to positive reinforcement, as the big right-hander struck out the next two batters, Nolan Reimold and Ryan Flaherty, preserving a lead that his offense later expanded upon. Pineda thrived in the difficult situations all night, stranding four runners in scoring position over his six innings, ending each situation with a swinging strikeout.

“Those are the most …

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