Things are coming together quite nicely for Kentwood product Matt Hague, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 9th round of the 2008 draft.

Hague, who was moved from third base to first base shortly after getting drafted, is playing for Pittsburgh’s Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve of the Eastern League.

On July 14, Hague played in his first professional All-Star game. Hague was named to the Western Division’s All-Star team of the Eastern League. The West knocked off the East 10-3. Hague went 0-for-2 in the game, but has otherwise enjoyed a standout year.

The 24-year-old slugger, a 2004 Kentwood High graduate who was drafted out of Oklahoma State University, entered the week hitting .304 with 9 home runs and 54 RBIs in 306 at-bats. In addition, Hague has walked more times (39) than he has struck out (37).

I put in a call to Hague about an hour ago and am hoping to hear back from him at some point this weekend. Those numbers are pretty impressive. Hague’s on a pretty good path to the major leagues. In fact, it’s relatively common for players to skip Triple-A altogether and move straight to The Show. If Hague’s production continues, and the Pirates continue to falter at the major league level, a September callup could be in store for the Kent native. It’s certainly worth tuning in to.

Matt Hague