Sep 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher
Gio Gonzalez(47) throws in game two of a doubleheader against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
After last night’s season-saving win over the Giants in Game 3 of the NLDS, the Nationals are once again in a must-win situation as they prepare for Game 4 of the series Tuesday night in San Francisco.
The reason the Nationals are even playing tonight is because of a phenomenal performance from Doug Fister last night. Unsurprisingly, pitching in general has been great for the Nationals in the postseason as the team has allowed just six runs over 36 innings.
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Tuesday night, the Nationals put the fate of their season on the shoulders of Gio Gonzalez, as the left-hander looks to continue the trend of dominant pitching that has characterized the NLDS thus far.
Gonzalez was slowed by injuries during the regular season but finished off the year strong, posting a 4-1 record and a 2.36 ERA over his final seven starts.
For a while it looked like Gonzalez, who was 6-9 with a 4.06 ERA on Aug. 15, wouldn’t even make the playoff roster. But after his strong finish brought back memories of his Cy Young-caliber 2012 season, the decision was easy for Nationals manager Matt Williams.
Gonzalez didn’t face the Giants during the regular season, but he’s had success against them in the past. In his career, Gonzalez is 2-2 with 34 strikeouts and a 2.59 ERA in 41 2/3 innings pitched against San Francisco. He’s also had success at AT&T Park, posting a 2.77 ERA over 26 innings in his career.
Birds Watcher
The Giants will counter with right-hander Ryan Vogelsong. Unlike Gonzalez, Vogelsong struggled late in the season, going 1-5 with a 4.59 ERA in his final nine starts. Despite his recent struggles, Vogelsong has had plenty of postseason success. The Giants right-hander went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA and helped lead San Francisco to a World Series title in 2012.
In his career against the Nationals, Vogelsong is 1-2 with 24 strikeouts and a 6.16 ERA over 30 2/3 innings.
While last night’s win certainly gives the Nationals a chance to get back into this series, it will mean nothing if they lose tonight.
The Nationals already accomplished the hardest part of a potential comeback last night by beating Giants ace Madison Bumgarner. But if they truly want to force a decisive Game 5 in the nation’s capital, they’ll need to do more with the bats and, most of all, they’ll need a strong performance from Gonzalez.
First pitch for tonight’s game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET and the game will air on Fox Sports 1.