Nationals game blog: Bryce Harper looks to break through against Matt Harvey

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 31, 2015, 2:49pm

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FLUSHING, N.Y. - Gio Gonzalez has dominated the Mets this season. In two wins, Gonzalez allowed only two runs while fanning 13 over 13 innings. The left-hander has been one of baseball's best pitchers in July, going 3-0 in four starts with a 1.88 ERA.

Gonzalez squares off with Mets right-hander Matt Harvey in a rematch from July 20 when the Nats downed the Mets 7-2 in D.C. The Nats struck early against Harvey that night, plating five runs in the first three innings.

The Nationals pitching staff has allowed three runs or fewer in six of seven of Jose Lobaton's starts this month. As he has for most of the season, Lobaton will work behind the plate with Gonzalez tonight. The 30-year-old catcher is batting .202 with three homers and 11 RBIs on the year.

Michael A. Taylor has hit safely in seven of the last eight games, going 12-for-32 (.375) with three home runs, nine RBIs, two walks, four stolen bases and four runs scored.

Bryce Harper enters tonight with an eight-game hitting streak, batting .379 over the stretch. The Nats slugger is hitless in 14 at-bats with seven strikeouts in his four-year career against Harvey.