47 Gio Gonzalez, SP

Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez turned in a quality start but did not factor in the decision Friday night against the Indians.

Gonzalez served up a solo home run to Ryan Raburn in the third inning for his only damage of the night. The left-hander surrendered one run on three hits and four walks while striking out eight in seven innings in a 2-1 loss.

Gonzalez has allowed just four earned runs in his last 20 innings, after starting the season 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA over his first 11 starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday at Philadelphia. He is 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA in his last four career starts against the Phillies.

Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez did not get much help from his defense Saturday, as he a took a no-decision against the Twins.

Gonzalez was cruising through the start until the fourth inning, when an error by first baseman Adam LaRoche cost him the first run of the game. The Twins would go on to score once more in the inning, and another in the fifth, as Gonzalez exited the game down and in line for a 3-2 loss.

The Nationals would fight back to get Gonzalez off the hook for the loss, before dropping the game 4-3 in 11 innings. Gonzalez allowed two earned runs on five hits and four walks in six innings of work. He threw 75 of 114 pitches for strikes, while fanning four batters.

Gonzalez now has a 3.59 ERA in 13 starts, with a 3-3 record. He is set to make his next start Thursday against the Rockies in Colorado. 

The Nationals' game against the Mets Thursday was postponed due to rain, an outcome that likely works out well for the team's rotation plans. The Nationals needed a starter for Saturday's game against the Twins, but will instead simply push their starters back a day.

Gio Gonzalez will pitch Friday in the series opener, and Nathan Karns will take the mound Saturday. Ross Ohlendorf is now unlikely to be recalled to the big-league roster, as previously reported.