Gio Gonzalez turned in another solid performance, but faulty defense and lackluster offense sunk the Washington Nationals Sunday afternoon in San Francisco.
Gio Gonzalez got the start for the Nationals and pitched well, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out one batter and walking two in six solid innings. It was another promising outing for Gonzalez, who has now given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his last three starts.
The Giants’ offense got things going early against Gonzalez and the Nationals. San Francisco took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third, when Connor Gillaspie scored on a throwing error by Trea Turner.
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The Giants scored another run on yet another throwing error in the fifth inning, this one by Anthony Rendon, stretching their lead to 2-0.
While the Giants hit into some luck at the plate, the Nationals weren’t able to do anything against San Francisco starter Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner dominated, holding the Nationals hitless over five innings of work, striking out five batters and walking four.
The Nationals finally got their first hit in the sixth inning, and they scored their first run that inning as well. With reliever George Kontos pitching, Anthony Rendon hit an RBI double to right field, trimming San Francisco’s lead to 2-1.
Unfortunately for the Nationals, that was all the damage they could do against the Giants’ bullpen. San Francisco scored another run in the seventh inning, sealing a 3-1 win for the Giants.
With today’s loss, the Nationals split the four-game series against the Giants and are now 61-44 on the season.
Next Up: The Nationals head to Arizona Monday night, where they’ll take on the Diamondbacks in the first game of a three-game series. Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Nationals, while Archie Bradley gets the start for the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 9:40 p.m. ET.