Even Jesus Montero could have hit Michael Pineda.
The Yankees hitters saved the chilly night with an explosion of runs in their 16-6 wipeout of the Astros at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night.
Only Pineda can save himself from his own shortcomings.
The big right-hander is being counted on in a big way by manager Joe Girardi, who talked glowingly about Pineda all spring.
Then Girardi had to suffer through a dreadful opening performance by Pineda. Reality set in once again with Big Mike, who has a way of giving up big hits.
This was a major step backward, though Pineda got the win for his five innings of horrid work in which he allowed six runs, three home runs, matching a career high, and eight hits.