Jayson Werth leads Nats into St. Louis, Yunel Escobar returns (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

August 31, 2015, 12:55pm

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ST. LOUIS - The Nationals enter tonight's game against the Cardinals as winners of eight of their last 12 games, backed by an offense that has scored 71 runs over the stretch, second best in the National League.

Jayson Werth continues his success in the leadoff spot. In 10 games since moving to the top of the order, Werth is slashing .325/.413/.650 with two homers, one triple, five doubles, six walks, seven RBIs and 10 runs scored.

Bryce Harper has reached base safely in 11 straight games, going 15-for-40 (.375) with one home run, five doubles, four RBIs, seven walks and seven runs scored over the streak. The 22-year-old remains atop the NL with a .457 on-base percentage and .629 slugging percentage, while his .331 batting average is second highest.

Yunel Escobar returns to the lineup after missing the last three games with a right hand contusion after being struck by a pitch on Thursday night. Before the injury, Escobar was on a tear, batting .474 (9-for-19) with one homer, six RBIs and seven runs scored over his last seven games.

Gio Gonzalez looks to bounce back after going 0-3 with a 10.22 ERA in his last three starts.

For the Nationals:

LF Jayson Werth
2B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
3B Yunel Escobar
SS Ian Desmond
C Jose Lobaton
CF Michael A. Taylor
LHP Gio Gonzalez

For the Cardinals:

3B Matt Carpenter
RF Stephen Piscotty
SS Jhonny Peralta
CF Jason Heyward
C Yadier Molina
2B Kolten Wong
1B Mark Reynolds
LF Brandon Moss
RHP John Lackey