Jayson Werth looking to build momentum (with lineups)

The Nationals hope yesterday's performance from Jayson Werth is a sign of what's to come from the veteran outfielder for the remainder of the season. The 36-year-old had his first multi-hit game since returning from the disabled list on July 28 after missing 61 games with a fractured left wrist.

Werth connected on a fastball in the second inning, drilling it over the wall in the right-center alley for a solo homer. He added a single in the third and turned his leadoff walk in the sixth into the game-tying run. Werth also struck out with the bases loaded in the ninth in Nats' 6-4 loss.

"I've been feeling good, it's just the results haven't been there," Werth said. "So it was good to get a couple hits. Had some big opportunities late in the game. Obviously, I want to come through. You welcome those opportunities, you welcome those situations. Hopefully, when we go on the road we'll get some more of those and get some big hits. We just need to ignite the offense here. We need to get going."

In the 12 games since rejoining the Nats, Werth is slashing .171/.200/.293 with three extra-base hits.

The Dodgers have stacked their lineup with right-handed bats against left-hander Gio Gonzalez tonight. Gonzalez hasn't lost since June 15, going 4-0 with a 1.77 ERA over seven starts during the stretch.

However, the Nationals need Gonzalez to pitch deeper in games. He hasn't made it out of the sixth inning in his last three outings.

For the Nationals:

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

For the Dodgers:

SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Jose Peraza
1B Scott Van Slyke
RF Yasiel Puig
CF Kike Hernandez
3B Alberto Callaspo
LF Alex Guerrero
C A.J. Ellis
LHP Brett Anderson