Gio Has An Off Day, David Wright Kills Nats

Mets 9, Nationals 5

Gio Gonzalez struggled with location, and an offensive explosion helped the Mets defeat the Nationals 9-5 on Thursday afternoon at Nats Park.  The Mets took a quick 9-1 lead in the first 4 innings and the final score did not do the game justice.

Gonzalez was sporting the Ian Desmond Hero shirt and a new House Party fade, but he only lasted 3.1 innings, his shortest outing of the year.  Gio gave up 6 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 in the loss dropping his record to 12-5.

The last time Gio went under 4 innings was back in his first start of the season where he went 3.2 innings against the Cubs giving up 4 runs.

Craig Stammen had to come in and throw extra time, giving up 3 more runs on a David Wright 3 run shot in 3.1 innings of work.

Dickey pitched into the 8th inning before being removed from the game.  The knuckleballer was cruising towards a complete game but the Nationals eventually got to him.  Dickey gave up 10 hits and 3 runs while striking out 5.

David Wright dominated the Nats all week.  The All-Star got 7 hits in 13 at bats including 3 home runs and 6 RBIs (5 on Thursday).

The Nats had plenty of hits and Lombardozzi, Moore, DeRosa, Zimmerman, and Bernadina all had two hits.  The Nats left 12 runners on base and went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.  Bryce Harper had the bases loaded in the 8th inning with the Nats inching closer, but flew out to end the inning.

Davey Johnson took advantage of the Mets blowout, getting some guys some rest, getting some guys some playing time, and getting Drew Storen & Henry Rodriguez some much needed work.  Ian Desmond also came up to bat twice, getting a single and hit by a pitch, and Davey says he will be ready to go tomorrow.

Drew Storen had a 9 pitch inning and he looked ready to go.  Clippard will have a short leash.  Zimmerman also hit a homer in the game.

The Braves come to town on Friday night less than 4 games back...