Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 5-2 Loss To Brewers

Jul 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell (30) congratulates center fielder Ramon Flores (18) after the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Milwaukee Brewers won 5 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell (30) congratulates center fielder Ramon Flores (18) after the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Milwaukee Brewers won 5 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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Washington Nationals
Jul 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell (30) congratulates center fielder Ramon Flores (18) after the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Milwaukee Brewers won 5 – 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals struggles continued against the Brewers last night. Here are my three takeaways:

Last night, the Washington Nationals (50-35) had four players selected to the 2016 All-Star Game for the first time since 2012 during the game. But, as the game was going on, the Nats offense continued their struggles this week against Milwaukee Brewers (37-46) pitching.

Like Junior Guerra the day before, Zach Davies had his second strong outing against the Washington Nationals lineup this season. He went 6.2 innings, gave up two runs on nine hits, struck out three, and walked one on 96 pitches (63 strikes) in the win.

As for Gio Gonzalez, he put up a quality start, but his lack of control ended up costing him in the end. With the score tied at one in the sixth, he gave up what ended up being the game-winning two-run home run to Hernan Perez. Plus, the Brewers ended up getting two key insurance runs against Blake Treinen in the top of the seventh.

For some reason, the Washington Nationals just can’t seem to figure out the Brewers. In their five meetings this season, the Nats have scored only 13 runs. On the other side, the Brewers have seven home runs and none of them have come from their two best offensive players in Ryan Braun (4-for-15) and Jonathan Lucroy (4-for-19, one RBI).

Before Tanner Roark tries to help the Washington Nationals avoid the sweep this afternoon against Matt Garza and the Brewers (4:05 p.m ET, MASN2), here are my takeaways from yesterday’s 5-2 loss:

Next: Gonzalez's Lack Of Command Costs Him

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