Nats Need Dominant Gio Gonzalez Against Mets To Begin Stretch Run

For the last two weeks, the Nationals have been clinging to hopes of a playoff run. While the team has remained on the outskirts of the race, they remain eight games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the final Wild Card Spot. Now the Nats will need a miracle, as they have only 20 games to make up eight games in the standings. That run will hopefully start Monday night, as the team sends left hander Gio Gonzalez(9-6, 3.49) out to the mound against the New York Mets to earn the team its 74th win of the season. Gonzalez went 5 2/3 innings in his last outing against the Phillies, giving up one earned run. Washington will not only be relying on Gio tonight but also on the Chiacgo Cubs, who take on the Reds at Wrigley Field. For the Mets, right hander Carlos Torres(3-3, 2.89) will toe the rubber and attempt to try to nail the Nats coffin closed.

Sep 3, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) delivers to the plate during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Lineups: Washington Nationals-73-69

1. Denard Span, CF

2. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B

3. Jayson Werth, RF

4. Ian Desmond, SS

5. Adam LaRoche, 1B

6. Wilson Ramos, C

7. Tyler Moore, LF

8. Anthony Rendon, 2B

9. Gio Gonzalez, LHP

New York Mets: 64-77

1. Eric Young Jr., LF