Gio throws gem

As the Washington Nationals playoff hopes dwindle, fans can only hope that the 7 game wild card lead the Cincinnati Reds hold diminishes quickly as the Nats have just 19 games remaining.  Still, the Nationals defeated the New York Mets, 9-0, last night in one of the team’s best all around performances. Washington received an absolute gem last night from pitcher Gio Gonzalez.  Gonzalez allowed just one hit over nine innings and came perhaps an inch or two away from becoming the first Washington Nationals pitcher to throw a perfect game.

The Nats bats came alive as well, providing Gonzalez with the necessary support hitting five home runs highlighted by a three run shot by outfielder Jayson Werth.  Werth has been one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball over the last few months.  As Nationals hitters have struggled, Werth has continued to carry the load leading Washington to five games over .500.

The Nationals continue their three game set with the New York Mets, Tuesday, as Cincinnati continues to play the bottom half of the National League Central Division.  Washington remains seven games back from the final wild card position, and must play nearly flawless baseball in the last month if they have any hopes of making a return visit to the postseason.