Nationals: Gonzalez Shuts Down Giants In 5-1 Win

Gio Gonzalez only gave up two hits over seven innings as the Washington Nationals won the series opener against the Giants, 5-1

Tonight, the Washington Nationals (65-44) got a great pitching performance from Gio Gonzalez against the San Francisco Giants (62-47) as he gave up only one home run over seven innings. Plus, the Nats offense helped out Gonzalez with home runs from Trea Turner and Wilson Ramos as they defeated San Francisco 5-1.

In the bottom of the first, Jayson Werth extended his on-base streak to 36 games with a base hit to center. Two batters later, after a Bryce Harper base hit, Daniel Murphy drove in Werth with a single to left.

Later in the inning, Harper would come around to score on a Ramos sacrifice fly, which gave the Washington Nationals a 2-0 lead. Two innings later, Harper had a RBI of his own when a sacrifice fly to right scored Turner, who doubled to lead off the inning.

Gonzalez did not give up one hit through the first 3.1 innings, but Angel Pagan broke up the no-hitter in the top of the fourth when he hit a solo home run to left. His eighth of the season cut the Washington Nationals lead to 3-1.

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However, the Washington Nationals would get that run back in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Turner hit a solo home run to left, his second home run in consecutive days. One inning later, Ramos crushed a solo home run to center for his 17^th home run of the season, which is a new-career high.

All five runs scored by the Washington Nationals tonight came against Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija went seven innings, gave up those five runs on six hits, struck out five, and walked two on 107 pitches (67 strikes) in a loss. This is his second loss against the Nats this season.

As for Gonzalez, he had good command of his pitches all night long. The left-hander went seven innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out seven, and walked one on 104 pitches (67 strikes) as he picked up his seventh win of the season.

After Gonzalez, Sammy Solis got in trouble in the top of the eighth when the Giants had runners at second and third with two outs. But, Murphy made a good play on a ground ball hit by Denard Span that at least prevented one run from scoring.

Next: Giants-Nats Series Preview (8/5-8/7)

Once again, Mark Melancon entered the game in the top of the ninth in a non-save situation. In his home debut, Melancon retired the Giants in order, including a strikeout of Eduardo Nunez, to end the game and clinch the Washington Nationals fourth straight win.

Next Game: The Washington Nationals will play the second game of their three game series against the San Francisco Giants tomorrow night at Nats Park. You can watch the game at 7:05 p.m ET on MASN or MLB Network. Stephen Strasburg (15-1, 2.63 ERA) goes for his 16^th win tomorrow night against Matt Cain (3-6, 5.53) for the Giants.

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