PITTSBURGH -- Even though his role has expanded tenfold compared to last year's postseason, Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison is still taking the same approach going into tonight's NL Wild Card Game against the Giants.
"I know my role this year is a little different. I'm still approaching it the same, trying to help any way I can, and continue to do what I did," said Harrison before the game.
In his fourth season in the majors, the former Cincinnati Princeton High and University of Cincinnati standout has emerged as one of the top players in the National League. In 142 games, he finished second in the league in batting (.314) and was the NL Player of the Month in August after hitting .356. On Wednesday, Harrison was named one of the finalists for NL Player of the Year in the MLB Players Choice Awards.
Harrison will bat leadoff for the Pirates and comes into the game hitting safely in 15 of his last 16 games. In the 84 games he has batted from the leadoff spot, Harrison has a .328 average with 11 homers and 58 runs scored.
In last year's postseason, Harrison was pitched around a couple times and used as a pinch-runner in the two Division Series games against St. Louis.
"I really haven't given myself a chance to sit back and reflect, still more work to do. I know I've had a good year. It's one of those things where I recognize it, but still at the same time, I'm not a guy that's in it for personal gain," Harrison said. "We've got a big game tonight. I've been more focused on playing October baseball than really reflecting. At the end of the season is when I'll probably reflect. Hopefully, I'm reflecting with a World Series ring."
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