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For Bryce Eldridge, Wednesday afternoon's walk-off grand slam was more than just the biggest hit of his young major league career.
It was redemption.
Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area following the Giants' dramatic 11-10 comeback victory over the Washington Nationals, Eldridge admitted he had spent the previous two days replaying a missed opportunity from Monday night's loss.
"The only thing I could think about the last two days was Monday," Eldridge said. "I wasn't pleased with how I ended the game. I wanted that opportunity back."
At the time, he wasn't sure when another chance would come. As it turned out, it arrived just two days later.
When the Giants began their late rally, Eldridge found himself mentally preparing for another potential game-changing at-bat.
"I was doing the math," he said. "I knew I was probably going to get another chance."
That opportunity came in the ninth inning with the game on the line. This time, Eldridge delivered.
Eldridge said he constantly envisions moments like the one he experienced Wednesday.
"I always wanted to be that guy in that situation," he said. "The other night really frustrated me, but it was a good learning opportunity."
The 21-year-old credited teammates and coaches for helping him remain focused throughout the game. He specifically pointed to conversations in the batting cage that reinforced the importance of sticking with his approach and staying prepared for another opportunity.
When he connected on the decisive swing, however, there was still uncertainty.
"I figured with the launch angle it was either going to get caught or go over," Eldridge said. "I was just watching it and hoping it was going to go out."
Once the ball cleared the fence, the emotions took over.
"I barely remember what happened after that," he said with a laugh.
While the walk-off grand slam instantly became one of the defining moments of Eldridge's career, he made it clear his ambitions extend far beyond a single game.
"I want to be the face of the franchise," Eldridge said. "That's something that motivates me every day."
Eldridge acknowledged that hearing discussions about his future role with the organization is meaningful, but he remains focused on continuing to improve.
The rookie also learned after the game that he had become the youngest player in Giants history to hit a walk-off grand slam.
"That's really cool," Eldridge said. "That's what I've worked for my whole life."
Growing up, Eldridge always envisioned himself as a hitter rather than a pitcher, even during his days as a two-way player. He dreamed about delivering big home runs in packed stadiums and becoming a major league star.
On Wednesday, one of those childhood dreams became reality.
"It's cool I'm here," Eldridge said. "Moments like this make all the hard work worth it."
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It was redemption.
Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area following the Giants' dramatic 11-10 comeback victory over the Washington Nationals, Eldridge admitted he had spent the previous two days replaying a missed opportunity from Monday night's loss.
"The only thing I could think about the last two days was Monday," Eldridge said. "I wasn't pleased with how I ended the game. I wanted that opportunity back."
At the time, he wasn't sure when another chance would come. As it turned out, it arrived just two days later.
When the Giants began their late rally, Eldridge found himself mentally preparing for another potential game-changing at-bat.
"I was doing the math," he said. "I knew I was probably going to get another chance."
That opportunity came in the ninth inning with the game on the line. This time, Eldridge delivered.
A Dream Scenario
Eldridge said he constantly envisions moments like the one he experienced Wednesday.
"I always wanted to be that guy in that situation," he said. "The other night really frustrated me, but it was a good learning opportunity."
The 21-year-old credited teammates and coaches for helping him remain focused throughout the game. He specifically pointed to conversations in the batting cage that reinforced the importance of sticking with his approach and staying prepared for another opportunity.
When he connected on the decisive swing, however, there was still uncertainty.
"I figured with the launch angle it was either going to get caught or go over," Eldridge said. "I was just watching it and hoping it was going to go out."
Once the ball cleared the fence, the emotions took over.
"I barely remember what happened after that," he said with a laugh.
Chasing Bigger Goals
While the walk-off grand slam instantly became one of the defining moments of Eldridge's career, he made it clear his ambitions extend far beyond a single game.
"I want to be the face of the franchise," Eldridge said. "That's something that motivates me every day."
Eldridge acknowledged that hearing discussions about his future role with the organization is meaningful, but he remains focused on continuing to improve.
The rookie also learned after the game that he had become the youngest player in Giants history to hit a walk-off grand slam.
"That's really cool," Eldridge said. "That's what I've worked for my whole life."
Growing up, Eldridge always envisioned himself as a hitter rather than a pitcher, even during his days as a two-way player. He dreamed about delivering big home runs in packed stadiums and becoming a major league star.
On Wednesday, one of those childhood dreams became reality.
"It's cool I'm here," Eldridge said. "Moments like this make all the hard work worth it."
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