Nationals game blog: Offense thriving with Jayson Werth leading off

By Josh Land

Nationals

September 05, 2015, 3:10pm

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The Nationals look for their fourth straight win on the heels of last night's thrilling 5-2 comeback victory. After blasting the game-winning three-run walk-off homer, Michael A. Taylor in not in tonight's starting lineup for the fourth straight game as he continues be bothered by a bruised right knee.

Nationals manager Matt Williams indicated that Taylor's condition has improved and the rookie is once again available off the bench.

Ryan Zimmerman continued his hot hitting continued last night, going 2-for-5 and scoring on Taylor's bomb. Since returning from the DL on July 28, Zimmerman's 37 RBIs are the most in the National League. His 1.049 OPS ranks third behind Cincinnati's Joey Votto and Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen over the stretch.

The Nationals have excelled with Jayson Werth batting leadoff. In 15 games since moving to the top of the order, Werth is slashing .333/.400/.603 with three homers, one triple, six doubles, eight RBIs, seven walks and 14 runs scored.

Gio Gonzalez takes the hill tonight. The left-hander is 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 11 starts at Nationals Park this season.