Nick Gonzales' perfect 5-for-5 night powered the Pirates to a 5-4 win over the Brewers on June 24, 2025. See how his historic hitting clinic snapped Milwaukee's streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights, one player just decides a game is his for the taking. Monday night in Milwaukee, that player was Nick Gonzales. The Pirates' second baseman put on an absolute clinic, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate to power the Bucs to a thrilling 5-4 win over the division-rival Brewers, snapping their four-game winning streak in the process.
Nick Gonzales raised his batting average from .271 to .320 in a single game.
It's hard to be better than perfect, but Nick Gonzales gave it a shot. His five-hit masterpiece was the first by a Pirate since Oneil Cruz did it back in August of 2024, and it was a masterclass in hitting. With two doubles and two RBIs, Gonzales was the engine of the offense. Since returning from an ankle injury on June 3rd, he's been on another level, now hitting a scorching 12-for-22 over his last five games. A performance like this doesn't just win a game; it announces a player's arrival as a legitimate force in the lineup.
While Gonzales stole the headlines, he had plenty of help. Braxton Ashcraft, making his first career MLB start, looked like a seasoned veteran. He tossed three brilliant, scoreless innings, allowing just a single hit and no walks, lowering his ERA to a minuscule 1.23. His poise gives the Pirates another tantalizing young arm for the rotation. On the offensive side, veteran Tommy Pham finally broke through, launching his first home run as a Pirate—a crucial two-run blast in the fourth. He wasn't done, either, later singling and scoring the eventual game-winning run on a triple by Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the sixth. It was a complete team effort fueled by key contributions from up and down the roster.
When the game is on the line, there's no one Pirates fans would rather see on the mound than David Bednar. The 'Renegade' was nails once again, securing his 11th save in as many chances. Though he worked around a hit and a walk, he slammed the door shut, extending his personal streak to 13 straight appearances without allowing an earned run. Since his return from a brief minor league stint on April 19, Bednar has been lights-out, posting a 2.10 ERA with an incredible 37-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Having a dominant closer like that shortens the game and gives the entire team confidence.
The good news isn't just confined to the big league club. Down in the minors, top prospect Charles Griffin continues to turn heads. The dynamic athlete is showcasing incredible versatility, making highlight-reel plays at both shortstop and in the outfield. The development staff is wisely giving him exposure to multiple positions, which not only increases his value but could accelerate his path to Pittsburgh. In a system lauded for its pitching, Griffin's bat and glove provide an exciting glimpse into the next wave of position-player talent.
This was more than just one win; it was a statement. With Gonzales emerging as a star, Ashcraft providing a jolt to the rotation, and veterans like Pham contributing, the Pirates showed they can beat the best in the division. Now, they'll look to carry this momentum forward and steal a series from the Brewers in their own ballpark. If Monday night is any indication, the rest of this series is must-watch baseball.
