Pineda’s No-Hitter Stymies Sylmar

His teammate almost committed a no-no, but instead, Edgar Pineda threw one.

Despite an attempt by his shortstop to break with tradition, Pineda pitched a no-hitter for North Hollywood High in a 10-0 victory over Sylmar on Monday in an East Valley League baseball game at North Hollywood that was called after six innings because of the 10-run rule.

North Hollywood (17-12-1, 12-3-1 in league play) moved to within one-half game of Sylmar (19-6, 13-3). The teams meet again Wednesday at Sylmar in the regular-season finale to determine the league champion.

North Hollywood shortstop Jerrit Redlich began informing Pineda of his potential no-hitter in the third inning, a deviation from baseball superstition.

“He was putting a little pressure on me,” said Pineda (5-5), who walked three, struck out four and hit two batters.

What pressure?

Pineda allowed 10 hits when the teams met two weeks ago--a 5-2 Sylmar victory--but kept most of his pitches low Monday, producing 11 ground outs.

The Huskies collected 12 hits, including a two-run home run by Ismael Rangsiyawong that opened the scoring in the first inning.

The Huskies, who won the league title last season for the first time in 27 years, shouldn’t begin to celebrate.

Sylmar saved its ace, Ivan Hernandez, for Wednesday. Hernandez (8-2) struck out 10 and allowed only three hits in the Spartans’ victory over North Hollywood two weeks ago.

Regardless, Sylmar Coach Gary Donatella was not thrilled with his team’s mental approach.

“We thought we could kick back,” he said. “Now we’ve got a one-game showdown.”