"I had a plan for Carson, and it was one hitter and that was it," McClendon said. "He really wasn't available today, but I figured if I could get one out from him in a big situation, we'd use him. And he got a big out for us."
McClendon had lefty specialist Joe Beimel waiting for Gonzalez -- who'd hit 12 homers since July 1, including a three-run shot off walker in the sixth -- and Beimel struck him out to start the ninth.
With Mark Lowe dealt to Toronto at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, McClendon isn't flush with late-inning right-handed options.