Pirates Have Emerging Star at Third Base

The Pirates also took two of three games against the Brewers, getting their third series win against a National League Central Division opponent this season so far, the first time they've done that in their first three series since 1994.

Gonzales played a big role for the Pirates in the series vs. the Brewers, hitting an RBI-single to make it 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning in the 6-0 win in the series opener and then putting up a season-high three hits, including a big RBI-single in the top of the 10th inning, scoring two runs to make it a 6-3 victory.

He's come through for the Pirates with runners in scoring position (RISP) and this was another example of that, as he's slashing .417/500/.458 for an OPS of .958, with 10 hits in 24 at-bats.

The Pirates have gotten some big hits from Gonzales over the years and it's something that the infielder relishes, whenever he gets the opportunity.

“Yeah I think just not letting the moment not get too big and then I really enjoy hitting in those moments," Gonzales said. "I think you’re able to impact the game right away. Obviously with a base hit scores a run or scores two runs and that’s exciting for me and exciting for the team and it just feels like I contributed right there.”

Gonzales currently has the best WAR of any third baseman in the NL Central at 0.7, a good sign for the Pirates that one of their lesser-known contributors is having the season he is.

Pirates manager Don Kelly needs hitters to come through in the clutch consistently and having someone like Gonzales makes the world of difference in a close race for the playoffs.

“More than half the battle is wanting that moment," Kelly said. When you get that opportunity to have confidence in yourself, know that you belong in the batter’s box in that moment and he’s swinging the bat like it right now.”