The Nationals have made a habit of wasting strong starting pitching all year long. Monday night was no different, as Stephen Strasburg threw six innings of one run, ten strikeout ball against the Phillies, and earned his 15th no decision of the year. The bullpen would eventually blow a late one run lead en route to a 3-2 loss. Sep 2, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers to the plate during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
On Tuesday night, the Nats hope to deviate from the norm and give run support to left hander Gio Gonzalez (8-6, 3.56), who has 13 no decisions of his own this year. Gonzalez, aside from a few starts where he got shellacked, has pitched very well this year, and will compete for his ninth win of the season against Phillies rookie right hander Ethan Martin. Gonzalez has pitched very well against Philadelphia since coming to the Nats, going 4-1 in six career starts. Washington certainly could use on of those excellent Gio starts tonight, as Monday’s loss dropped them to seven and a half games back of Cincinnati for the second wild card spot.
Lineups: Washington Nationals 69-68
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
3. Bryce Harper, LF
4. Jayson Werth, RF
5. Ian Desmond, SS
6. Adam LaRoche, 1B
7. Wilson Ramos, C
8. Anthony Rendon, 2B
9. Gio Gonzalez, LHP
Philadelphia Phillies 63-75
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Kevin Frandsen, 1B
4. Carlos Ruiz, C
5. Darin Ruf, LF
6. Cody Asche, 3B
7. John Mayberry Jr., RF
8. Michael Martinez, CF
9. Ethan Martin, RHP