Nick Gonzales set tone for the Pirates, who had more walks than hits against Nationals

Nick Gonzales, the Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman, set the tone for the team's offensive approach in their 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals. Gonzales drew a crucial walk with the bases loaded in the 6th inning, despite not having drawn a walk in 72 at-bats over a 16-game span prior to that. The Pirates drew a season-high 9 walks (1 intentional) and had more walks (8) than hits against the Nationals. Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised his team's patient approach at the plate, which he believed put a lot of pressure on the Nationals' pitchers. Four of the Pirates players who walked ended up scoring runs. Rowdy Tellez also drew a bases-loaded walk, which scored another run for the Pirates. Gonzales is known for his good bat-to-ball skills, but not necessarily for drawing a lot of walks, which made his patience in the 6th inning noteworthy. Tellez praised Gonzales for being a good teammate and trusting his abilities, even when not swinging the bat. The Pirates were bouncing back from a 12-0 loss to the Cubs the previous day, in which the Cubs pitchers combined for a no-hitter. The Pirates' offensive approach of drawing walks and putting pressure on the opposing pitchers was a key factor in their 9-4 victory over the Nationals.

Original Article: https://triblive.com/sports/nick-gonzales-set-tone-for-the-pirates-who-had-more-walks-than-hits-against-nationals/

Original Article Author: Kevin Gorman