A former Pointer infielder has been selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates after his junior season at UCLA.

The Pirates selected 6-foot tall, 200-pound Duce Gourson in the ninth round of the recent MLB draft, a result of the second baseman’s performance after three seasons in a Bruins jersey.

Gourson has batted .300 from the left side during his Bruins career, covering 168 games with 49 doubles, 21 home runs, 119 RBIs, and 117 walks. He was named a freshman All-American in 2022 and to the All-Pac-12 team in 2023 after a career-high .319 batting average and .515 slugging percentage. He was a member of the 2023 USA Collegiate National Team.

This year he was named a preseason All-American.

In his senior season at PLHS, Gourson was named All-CIF first team after hitting .426 with 13 doubles, three triples, and eight home runs among his 40 hits. He was ranked the 18th-best shortstop in California and 49th best player overall.

Gourson said he has dreamed about being drafted since he was a young child. Gourson has the option of signing with the Pirates or returning for his senior season at UCLA.