A returning Nick Gonzales helped seal a Pittsburgh Pirates victory Friday night.
In just his third game back from the injured list, Gonzales sent Pirates fans home happy when notching a walk-off sacrifice fly. With the bases loaded, the second baseman hit a Jordan Romano offering near the warning track to cement a 6-5 Pirates victory at PNC Park.
After the game, Gonzales told reporters he was eager for an opportunity to bat during the final frame.
“I’m always hoping I can get to the plate to win it,” Gonzales said. “That’s like every kid’s dream.”
Gonzales had missed over two months with an ankle injury suffered on Opening Day before returning Tuesday. Before Friday’s first high-pressure moment in quite some time, the 26-year-old had to slow his heart rate, “lock in” at the plate, and “stay within” himself.
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“After my first swing, that’s my first ninth inning this year that I’ve been in since probably last year that the fans get loud and you have to slow things down,” Gonzales said. “So after that first pitch, I try to slow it down, bring it back in, and kind of let the adrenaline swing for me.”
After making his MLB debut in 2023, Gonzales batted .270/.311/.398 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 94 games last year. The former top prospect entered a pivotal 2025 aiming to stake his claim as a long-term fixture in Pittsburgh’s lineup.
Since returning, Gonzales has gone 2-for-12 with no walks and five strikeouts. Before Friday’s walk-off moment, he also recorded a first-inning triple — which happened to be his first extra-base hit since a home run on March 27.
Moments after securing a thrilling win, Gonzales acknowledged that it’s been a “tough year” for him. Those setbacks made Friday’s triumph even sweeter.
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“I don’t know what game it is, but for me it’s special,” Gonzales told SportsNet Pittsburgh’s Hannah Mears. “I’m excited to be out here again. Excited just to help the guys.”
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Featured image via Sam Navarro/Imagn Images