Nationals game blog: Gio Gonzalez aims for consistency

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 16, 2015, 3:15pm

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PHILADELPHIA - Left-hander Gio Gonzalez takes the hill tonight in search of his 11th win of the season. Gonzalez, who went 10-10 in 27 starts last year, is looking to finish strong after struggling in August. The Nationals lost five of Gonzalez's six starts last month, while the lefty's ERA ballooned to 5.46.

Gonzalez has regained his form over his first two September outings, going 1-0 with a 0.79 ERA.

The Phillies counter with rookie right-hander Alec Asher, who has dropped his first three major league starts while surrendering 17 runs over 14 1/3 innings. Asher paved an inspirational path to the majors after undergoing Tommy John at 14. The Phillies acquired Asher in the deal which sent veteran left-hander Cole Hamels to the Rangers at the trade deadline.

Anthony Rendon's season batting average is up to .285. The 25-year-old is slashing .358/.435/.526 with a .962 OPS over his last 23 games.

Yunel Escobar is batting .423 with two doubles, five RBIs and 10 runs scored this month. He's racked up multi-hit games hits in eight of 12 contests in September.

The Nationals are 33-41 on the road this season.