Gio Takes On Top Prospect Wheeler In Mets Series Finale
By Noah Nash
After finally picking up his first win in nine starts last Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gio Gonzalez(4-3, 3.31) looks to make it two in a row against the New York Mets. After starting the season 3-2 with a 5.34 ERA in April, Gio has gone six innings in nine of his ten starts since, lowering his season ERA all the way down to 3.31. Nats fans also have a reason to get excited besides Gio, as Bryce Harper will return from the 15-day DL on Monday.
Jun 25, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) throws during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Gio will oppose New York rookie Zack Wheeler(1-0, 3.18). Wheeler, who began the year as baseball’s seventh best prospect(according to MLB.com), will make his third career start and first at Citi Field. After throwing six shutout innings in his MLB debut against Atlanta June 18th, the hard throwing right hander struggled his last time out against the White Sox and gave up four runs in five and a third innings. The Mets hope Wheeler can find the consistent arm angle and command that made him a top prospect, as he has struck out eight and walked eight in his first eleven and a third big league innings.
Lineups- Washington Nationals:
- Denard Span, CF
- Anthony Rendon, 2B
- Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
- Adam LaRoche, 1B
- Jayson Werth, RF
- Ian Desmond, SS
- Roger Bernadina, LF
- Kurt Suzuki, C
- Gio Gonzalez, LHP(4-3, 3.31)
New York Mets:
- Eric Young, LF
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- David Wright, 3B
- Marlon Byrd, RF
- Josh Satin, 1B
- John Buck, C
- Juan Lagares, CF
- Omar Quintanilla, SS
- Zack Wheeler, RHP (1-0, 3.18)
First Pitch 1:10