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Gio feeling strong after outing against Mets

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez started his first game of the spring and looked sharp in an 11-5 victory over the Mets on Wednesday. He pitched two shutout innings and allowed a hit.

"My arm feels right where I wanted it to be. I feel strong, I feel ready. This team looks great. Our guys look alive," Gonzalez said.

In his next start, Gonzalez wants to go at least five innings and throw more first-pitch strikes. Gonzalez reiterated that he wants to do the little things to help the team win games. For example, he wants to work on his pickoff move and covering first base, which was a serious problem last year.

"There are a bunch of things I want to work on during Spring Training this year. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to do it," Gonzalez said.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the Time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.
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