Pirates No. 2 prospect Griffin's HR makes for memorable game of Rock, Paper, Scissors

Konnor Griffin probably should've gone with rock.

It might have been the ideal choice for his celebratory game of Rock, Paper, Scissors after the Pirates' No. 2 prospect rocked a line drive over the right-field wall for Pittsburgh's Single-A affiliate Bradenton on Wednesday at LECOM Park.

Griffin's fifth home run of the year, which the 2024 ninth overall pick said was a birthday gift for his father, Kevin, came in the bottom of the second inning off right-hander Danny Flatt (Yankees). The solo shot to right field marked Griffin's 15th RBI of the year en route to the Marauders' 4-3 loss to Tampa.

“That’s always a good feeling, especially putting the barrel on the ball,” Griffin said. “With it being on my dad’s birthday, I thought that would be pretty cool, cause he’s the guy that’s worked with me my whole life. He asked for it, so I had to provide.”

Griffin slapped five with teammate Braylon Bishop after crossing home plate before commencing a celebratory handshake with Yordany De Los Santos (PIT No. 16) that concluded with the classic game. After drawing even with paper, De Los Santos got the best of Griffin -- crushing his scissors with the superior rock.

“Me and Yordany, we have a really good relationship, both being infielders,” the 19-year-old said. "We try to keep the game fun, and we came up with some fun handshakes. Just try to enjoy it, 'cause it can be a lot of ups and downs and it can be mentally draining. But we’re just having fun, and trying to win games with your guys is always a good time.”

Griffin has been on a feverish tear lately. MLB's No. 40 prospect has sent three of his six extra-base hits in the past five games over the fence while tallying seven RBIs over that span. In his first taste of professional ball, he's amassed a slash line of .265/.333/.851 with an OPS of .882, 11 stolen bases and 19 runs scored.

“I give a lot of credit to the hitting staff here at the Bradenton Marauders,” Griffin said. “They always have a great plan for us, just going up there, trusting the skills, trusting the work that we’ve put in.”