Gonzalez makes a strong first impression

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

March 06, 2012, 9:03am

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Gio Gonzalez looks pretty darn good in a Nationals uniform. Making his Nats debut today, Gonzalez looked very sharp, going three scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. The power lefty threw 41 pitches, 23 of which were strikes. He sat 91-94 MPH with his fastball, and touched 95. Gonzalez struck out Braves left fielder Matt Diaz with a nasty knee-buckling curveball to lead off the top of the second inning, and then got center fielder Michael Bourn swinging in the third. Righty Yunesky Maya is now on to replace Gonzalez here in the fourth. The Nats currently lead 4-0 after Mark DeRosa's solo homer leading off the top of the fourth inning. For those interested in all things Bryce Harper, the right fielder grounded out to first in his second at-bat of the afternoon. Oh, and Ian Desmond has now made his third error in two spring games. It's very early, but that's a trend which Desmond will need to put an end to sooner than later.