Pirates Pitcher Ashcraft Supports Young Star Griffin After Tough Mistake

Ashcraft praised Griffin's professionalism and talent despite a key error in a close loss to the Nationals.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball play broken down into overlapping, fragmented shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic tension and energy of the moment while also suggesting the supportive presence of the veteran pitcher.A veteran pitcher's public backing of his young shortstop teammate underscores the importance of mentorship in developing baseball's next generation of stars.Today in Pittsburgh

In a recent game against the Washington Nationals, 19-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin made a costly mistake that allowed three runs to score in an 8-7 extra-inning loss. However, Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft quickly stepped up to support Griffin, emphasizing his overall talent and professionalism. Ashcraft noted that despite the error, Griffin went on to contribute with an RBI triple, showing his resilience. The veteran pitcher expressed full confidence in the young star, saying the team has no doubts about Griffin's abilities as one of the best defenders in the league.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of veteran leaders supporting young, talented players through their mistakes. Griffin is considered one of the Pirates' top prospects, and maintaining his confidence and focus will be crucial as he continues to develop in the major leagues. Ashcraft's public backing of his teammate also demonstrates the strong team culture the Pirates are building around their young core.

The details

In the top of the fifth inning, with the bases loaded and one out, Griffin fielded a ground ball but missed the second base bag while trying to turn a double play. This allowed all three runs to score, leading to an 8-7 loss for the Pirates in extra innings. However, Ashcraft, who was on the mound at the time, quickly reassured Griffin and praised his overall talent and work ethic. Ashcraft noted that Griffin, who won a Minor League Gold Glove last season, is one of the best defenders in the league, and that the team has full confidence in him despite the occasional mistake.

  • On April 16, 2026, the incident occurred in the series finale against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
  • Ashcraft made his comments about supporting Griffin immediately after the game.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, considered one of the team's top prospects. He won a Minor League Gold Glove Award last season.

Braxton Ashcraft

A 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, in his first full season as a major league starter.

Nasim Nuñez

The Washington Nationals' second baseman who collided with Griffin during the play in question.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, we talked about it and he came up and said, 'Hey man, I'm sorry.' I said, 'Never apologize to me for the plays you make. Nobody questions the effort you put in, nobody questions the process that you have throughout your work.' And then he comes back and the next at-bat or the second at-bat after that and hits a triple.”

— Braxton Ashcraft, Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher

“He's an ultimate professional in the way he goes about his work. Like you saw in the interview in the press conference whenever he signed his extension. He's a 19-year old that has poise, he has everything that I wish I would've had at 19 years old.”

— Braxton Ashcraft, Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher

What’s next

The Pirates will look to bounce back in their next series against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds, where Griffin and the team will aim to show their resilience after the tough loss.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the importance of veteran leaders supporting young, talented players through their mistakes. Ashcraft's public backing of Griffin, one of the Pirates' top prospects, will be crucial in maintaining the young shortstop's confidence and focus as he continues to develop in the major leagues.