Tough night for Gio Gonzalez, Nats offense in 4-1 loss

Both starters experienced early bouts with command problems in this game. The Orioles took advantage while the Nats did not.

Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez issued consecutive free passes to Yunel Escobar and Bryce Harper with one out in the first. But Jayson Werth was caught looking at a third strike, and then Clint Robinson grounded out to end the frame.

In the second, left-hander Gio Gonzalez walked Caleb Joseph and J.J. Hardy. Jimenez delivered a two-out line drive single to center, plating Joseph. Nolan Reimold followed with a base knock to left, scoring Hardy.

Harper's walk in the first gave him 116 on the year, tying Adam Dunn's mark from 2009 for most all-time in a single season in Nationals history.

Update: The Nationals took advantage of some sloppy play by the Orioles to get on the scoreboard in the fourth. Center fielder Junior Lake dropped Robinson's drive to center to start the inning. Ian Desmond followed with a tapper up the third base line that Manny Machado had trouble getting out his glove, leaving both runners safe.

After Michael A. Taylor popped out, Jonathan Schoop botched Jose Lobaton's grounder, allowing Robinson to cross the plate.

The Orioles answered in the fifth when Machado led off with a single to right. Chris Davis then slapped a double down the left field line, bringing Machado racing home.

Davis was the next across the plate as Steve Pearce followed with another double.

Nationals manager Matt Williams ended Gonzalez's night with two outs in the fifth, calling for right-hander Doug Fister.

Update II: Gonzalez allowed four runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. He threw 82 pitches.

Update III: Fister, Matt Thornton, Casey Janssen and Blake Treinen combined to throw 4 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Gonzalez.

The Nationals are down to their final three outs against Orioles right-hander Darren O'Day.

Update IV: O'Day closed out the Nats in the ninth.

The Orioles beat the Nationals 4-1.




Plenty of missed opportunities in Nats' 4-1 loss
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