Gio Gonzalez Dazzles In First WBC Start As USA Defeats Puerto Rico

Last night, Washington Nationals ace and NL Cy Young 2nd runner up Gio Gonzalaez took center stage in front of an international crowd in Miami, as the USA defeated Puerto Rico 7-1 in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

Bar none, this marks the best start by any USA pitcher to date in the WBC.  Gonzalez gave up just three hits in five innings of work, striking out five and allowing no runners to cross the plate for a talented Puerto Rico squad.  While yes, Gio was backed by an all-star caliber offense powered by the Mets’ David Wright among others, nevertheless Gonzalez unquestionably had his best stuff going and fooled a team featuring Angel Pagan, Carlos Beltran, and Yadier Molina.

Mar 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; United States pitcher

(47) delivers a pitch against Puerto Rico at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

After last night’s performance, it can certainly be argued that Nationals pitching has performed better than any other team represented on manager Joe Torre‘s US squad.  Just last Saturday, Ross Detwiler earned a four-inning save against Italy where he gave up just one hit and no runs.  And with the addition of former All-Star Dan Haren this season, the Nationals’ rotation may very well be the best in baseball from top to bottom.

Following a stellar 2012 campaign, it should come as no surprise that Gonzalez hopes to pick up right where he left off for the Nationals in 2013.  The Florida native went 21-8 with a mere 2.89 ERA last season, and while he still averaged a mediocre 3.4 BB/9, Davey and co. believe that number can definitely drop for a 6th straight year.  USA catcher Joe Mauer noted after last night’s game that Gio’s curveball looked as strong as ever, a pitch that has done wonders for #47 in the past.  If Gonzalez can keep his pitches under control, there’s no doubt he can dazzle among guys named Strasburg and Haren and put together another Cy Young-caliber season.