Nats have rallied around Gio Gonzalez in May (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

May 30, 2015, 8:47am

Comments

The Nationals enter today's game in Cincinnati as winners in the last five games that Gio Gonzalez has started. However, May has been a bit of a roller coaster month for the left-hander. Gonzalez has received a decision in three of those five games, allowing just three runs over 20 1/3 innings. But Gonzalez's ERA is 9.90 in the other two starts, with the Nats offense bailing him out both times.

Gonzalez has pitched exceptionally well against the Reds in his career. In four starts with the Nats, Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 1.33 ERA versus Cincinnati.

Jose Lobaton will work with Gonzalez this afternoon. The battery combined for a win over the Phillies on Sunday at Nationals Park. Lobaton also came through with a clutch RBI single that day which tied the game. The Nationals have won their last six games with Lobaton behind the plate.

Nationals manager Matt Williams continues his rotation in left field with Jayson Werth on the disabled list. Left-handed swinging Clint Robinson takes his turn this afternoon against Reds righty Raisel Iglesias. Since Werth went down two weeks ago, Robinson has gone 3-for-9 (.333) with two doubles and an RBI.

The Nationals will attempt to avoid losing their first series since being swept in Miami April 24-26.

For the Nationals:

CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Clint Robinson
C Jose Lobaton
2B Danny Espinosa
LHP Gio Gonzalez

For the Reds:

2B Brandon Phillips
1B Joey Votto
3B Todd Frazier
RF Jay Bruce
C Brayan Pena
LF Marlon Byrd
SS Zack Cozart
RHP Raisel Iglesias
CF Billy Hamilton