Alejandro Gonzalez Earns NSAA Player of the Week

By: Zach Throne

Waldorf shortstop Alejandro Gonzalez exploded offensively in the last six games to gain his first career North Star Athletic Association Player of the Week honors.

The Venezuelan infielder went 11-for-20 during the six NSAA games (which the Warrior baseball team won five of) including two doubles, a triple, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. The junior college transfer from Hillsborough Community College scored 10 runs for the Warriors while batting in the two hole.

He also added three sacrifices while recording 19 putouts and 13 assists in the field against Viterbo (two games) and Mayville State (four games).

Gonzalez currently sits at a batting average of .305, which is fourth on the team. He has scored the second most runs for the Warriors (40). Tied with Garrett Gillen, Gonzalez leads the team in hits with 51.

“Alejandro has been playing really well for us lately,” said catcher/designated hitter Brett Stenlund, “He has been the leader of our balanced offensive attack, and guys behind him have done a great job of hitting him in when he gets on base.”

He has stolen seven bases this season, and he has been caught stealing twice for a 78% stolen base percentage.

He leads the Warriors in assists for the season with 99 while fielding at a 93.3% clip. He has been a part of eight double plays, as well.

The Warriors have won 22 of their last 27 games and currently sit at 16-2 in conference play, one game behind 17-1 25th-ranked Bellevue for the conference lead.

Waldorf plays two games at Viterbo (4-14 NSAA) on Wednesday, April 24 and four games at home on April 27-28 against conference-leading Bellevue to potentially play for the conference title.

“We have to play our best baseball this week to have a shot at a conference ring,” said catcher Kevin Tapia, “Our focus is going to be great, and I cannot wait to see what we will do in these last six games of the regular season.”