The lead for the Washington Nationals in the NL East is waning following two straight losses and losses in seven of their last 10 games. Their latest loss came via the Colorado Rockies as the Nationals continued to struggle to score runs, crossing home plate only twice on Monday in a 4-2 loss.
During their 10 game slump, the Nationals have averaged just 2.5 runs per game and have not scored more than five runs in any given game. The lack of offense was a large reason why Stephen Strasburg's six game winning streak came to an end and it presents a potential challenge for Gio Gonzalez when he faces Christian Freidrich on Tuesday.
Gonzalez is tied for fourth in the National League with nine wins and won his last start when he beat the Rays with a six inning performance in which he allowed just two earned runs. His opponent, Freidrich, has lost three consecutive starts after winning the three starts prior and has watched his ERA swell from 4.50 to 5.65.
The first pitch is set to be thrown at 8:40 p.m. ET and the game is to be televised on Root Sports-Rocky Mountain and MASN2.
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