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Washington Nationals: Gio Gonzalez Tosses Gem In Win Over Phillies

By Chris Lacey

Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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A clutch hit late in the game and another strong pitching performance led to the Washington Nationals earning a series sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Gio Gonzalez was outstanding for six innings, and a clutch hit by Wilson Ramos was the deciding factor in the Washington Nationals’ 2-1 win over the Phillies tonight.

Jayson Werth gave the Nationals a 1-0 lead in the first inning, cranking his 20th homer of the season.

Four innings later, Freddy Galvis knotted the score at 1-1 with his 15th homer of the year.

Ramos gave the Nats a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, as he laced a two-out RBI single to knock Phillies starter Adam Morgan out of the game.

The Nationals did load the bases later in the inning, but Clint Robinson, who was pinch-hitting for Gio Gonzalez grounded out to end the frame.

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Morgan pitched a solid game for his club. He allowed just two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings. The southpaw didn’t issue a free pass, fanned five batters and surrendered a homer on 103 pitches (63 strikes) in a losing effort.

Gonzalez was just as good on the mound. He tossed six innings, yielded two hits, allowed one run, struck out four, walked one batter and also gave up a homer on 101 pitches (61 strikes), in picking up his 10th victory of the season.

Blake Treinen relieved Gonzalez in the seventh and had a scoreless appearance. Treinen retired the first batter he faced in the eighth and gave way to Marc Rzepczynski, who recorded the last two outs.

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    • Rzepczynski started the ninth with closer Mark Melancon unavailable. Rzepczynski did the walk the leadoff batter but forced the next batter to hit into a double play.

    Shawn Kelley was brought in to face pinch-hitter Maikel Franco, and Kelley picked up his seventh save, as Franco grounded out to end the game.

    Next Game: The Washington Nationals (78-55) continue their road trip on Friday, with A.J. Cole (0-1, 4.97 ERA) getting the start. He will be opposed by New York Mets (69-64) starter Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55 ERA).

    You can watch the game at 7:10 p.m. ET on MASN.

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