ALTOONA, Pa. -- The sun is scorching this time of year as minor league seasons wind down and pennant races heat up, but for Greensboro's Nick Gonzales, his performance just might be hotter than the sun right now. In fact, it's actually Gonzales' world and we just happen to be living in it.
Gonzales hit a walk-off grand slam Tuesday night and well, just watch and listen.
After @HVRenegades take the lead in the top of the 9th with back-to-back jacks, Nick Gonzalez (the @pirates’ #1 draft pick in 2020) hits a walk-off grand slam, his 2nd slam and 5th homer in 2 games, to win it 9-7 for @GSOHoppers #RaiseTheJollyHopper! pic.twitter.com/6AtiZsrKwK
— Mapping the Path (@MappingThePath) September 1, 2021
"Hitting a walk-off grand slam is something that every kid dreams about," Gonzales said in an interview with MLB.com following the game. "It was so much fun and exciting to beat a team we're battling for a playoff spot with."
The grand slam was his fifth home run and his run was the 15th he's batted in the past two games. Those five home runs he's hit have come in his last 12 at-bats nonetheless. The Pirates' first round pick of the 2020 MLB Draft slashed .364/.419/.757 with 10 home runs, one triple, 10 doubles, 28 RBI and an astounding 81 total bases during an electric August.
"I almost feel like I'm back in college again," Gonzales said. "I'm out there having a blast and not worrying about any particular outcomes. I'm trusting that all the work I do before games will pay off and lately, that's how it's been. The season has gone so quickly. I'm just enjoying being around my teammates and everything that comes with it."
For just a little bit of perspective, Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes has 104 total bases in 77 games at the Major League level this season while the 81 total bases Gonzales has have come in 66 games and in a season where he missed over a month of action with a fractured finger.
Gonzales got off to a hot start at the beginning of the season, his first full season of professional ball after spending time at the alternate site in Altoona after being drafted last year. He hit .294/.368/.549 with two home runs, seven doubles and five RBI before his stint on the injured list. After returning, Gonzales was mired in a slump so much so that his average dipped to as low as .214 on July 15 before steadily rising throughout the remainder of the month and climbing 38 points by the end of August.
"I've learned to trust my abilities and just go out there and play," Gonzales said. "You know you're a good player and you just need to trust what got you here. When you have confidence and have fun, the game just comes to you."
With Major League rosters expanding ever so slightly Wednesday, roster movement is far from over for the season throughout the Pirates' organization. It's important to note the Pirates promoted infielder Diego Castillo to Indianapolis early on Tuesday meaning there is a roster spot available in Altoona, though pitcher Roansy Contreras and outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba should be returning from the injured list as early as this week.
There are only 17 games left for the Grasshoppers this season while the Curve have 18. The performance of Gonzales has more than warranted the promotion, but with so little time left in the season whether that performance will be rewarded is still up in the air.
You can find my feature on Gonzales' amateur career right here.
