Gio works out of trouble, allows 1 run in short outing
Nationals left-hander laments not being able to go deeper into game
NEW YORK -- Left-hander Gio Gonzalez labored during the Nationals' 2-1 loss to the Mets on Friday night. Gonzalez had a tough time throwing strikes, needing 105 pitches to record 14 outs with four walks, but he kept the Nationals in the game by only allowing one run.
His worst inning was in the fourth. Gonzalez walked three batters, limiting the damage to one run, but he was gone an inning later. Gonzalez didn't figure in the decision after Yunel Escobar tied the game at 1 in the eighth inning with a single to center, scoring pinch-runner Danny Espinosa.
"I put my team in a tough situation," Gonzalez said. "I have to go deep in the game. I kept falling behind every hitter. No excuses. This is on me. I should have gone deeper in the game and should have given us a chance."
After Gonzalez exited, the Nationals' bullpen pitched a combined 6 1/3 innings and allowed one earned run, which was the game-winning home run by Wilmer Flores in the 12th inning.
"It's unbelievable," Gonzalez said. "We have one of the best bullpens in the game, especially what Tanner Roark did and Aaron Barrett and even Felipe [Rivero]. One pitch, but [before allowing the game-winning homer], Felipe was lights-out. He was incredible to watch."