Bullpen blows lead for Gio Gonzalez: Nats lose 2-1 to the Cubs

Gio Gonzalez was masterful in his no decision Sunday afternoon. He lost a perfect game in the sixth inning.On a day in which Gio Gonzalez had a perfect game going into the sixth inning, Drew Storen was unable to hold a one run lead and Kurt Suzuki‘s throwing error allowed the Cubs to win in the ninth inning.

Gio was truly masterful Sunday afternoon. He had a perfect game until Dioner Navarro hit an infield single in the sixth inning, and finished with seven scoreless innings. Gio struck out five batter and only walked one, finishing with 86 pitches. If Davey Johnson hadn’t pinch hit for Gonzalez in the bottom of the seventh, Gio likely could have pitched at least one more inning. In a season full of early up and downs for him, Gio’s Sunday outing was a good sight for Nationals fans.

Drew Storen entered the game in the seventh inning and blew the lead on Starlin Castro‘s game tying single to center. Castro’s single scored Travis Wood, a starting pitcher pinch running for the catcher Navarro, who had singled to start the inning. Rafael Soriano started the ninth by giving up back to back singles to Alfonso Soriano and Julio Borbon. After Ryan Sweeney went down on strikes, Soriano and Borbon attempted a double steal with Wellington Castillo at the plate. Kurt Suzuki’s throw hit Castillo’s bat, sending the ball down the left field line and allowing Soriano to come around and score. Chicago closer Kevin Gregg pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth for his sixth save in as many opportunities. Cubs’ left fielder Alfonso Soriano scores the go-ahead run on Kurt Suzuki’s throwing error in the ninth inning.

On the offensive side of things, the Nats bats were relatively shut down by Cubs starter Scott Feldman. Feldman gave up one run in six innings, the only run coming on Ryan Zimmerman‘s third inning RBI double. The double scored Span, who himself had doubled to lead off the inning.

After losing two of three to Chicago, the Nationals look to get back on track in Los Angeles monday night. Jordan Zimmermann (6-1, 1.59) will look to continue his excellent start and will opposed by Dodgers’ right hander Josh Beckett (0-4, 5.13). First Pitch is at 10:10 ET.