Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 5-2 Loss To Brewers

2 of 4

Jul 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) talks with catcher Wilson Ramos (40) and pitching coach Mike Maddux (51) during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Gonzalez’s Lack Of Command Costs Him

While Gonzalez technically put up a quality start and he continues to pitch better, it just wasn’t enough last night against the Brewers. The left-hander went six innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out four, and walked three on 102 pitches (57 strikes) in the loss.

The three walks for Gonzalez continue to be a problem for him as he has walked three or more batters in four of his last five starts. His 35 walks are the most on the Washington Nationals, but that could change today since Roark is one walk behind him.

Last night, he had problems trying to get out third baseman Aaron Hill. Hill was 2-for-2 against him as he had a double in the first, a RBI single in the third, and a walk in the fifth. The other bad inning he had was in the sixth inning.

During that inning, he gave up a leadoff single to Jonathan Lucroy. Two batters later, Hernan Perez hit a 1-0 fastball over the wall in right-center for a two-run home run. It was only Perez’s fourth home run of the season.

It is tough to blame Gonzalez for last night’s loss because he wasn’t getting any run support from his offense, which has struggled mightily in this series. But, if Gonalez doesn’t fix his recent command woes, its tough to see him starting to put a streak of wins together since he has just one win in his last nine starts.

Next: Sloppy Play Dooms Nats

Home/Nationals News