Nationals lineup vs. Mets

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 31, 2015, 12:17pm

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On the eve of August, it becomes easy to claim each series is "critical" or "monumental" in terms of the playoff picture.

But seriously, guys, this one is pretty big. At least in terms of shaping the divisional race.

The Nationals enter tonight's game with a three-game lead in the National League East. The team right behind them? No big deal, just tonight's opponent. The Mets are right on the Nationals' heels, and with a three-game series in New York beginning tonight at 7, this weekend will undoubtedly shape the final two months before the postseason.

Both teams have had less than stellar months of July. The Mets are 12-12 while the Nats are 11-12. Washington does hold a 6-4 record against its divisional foe this season and will look to continue to boost that record with Gio Gonzalez on the mound.

For the Nationals:

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