ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Washington Nationals boast a pair of aces, Max Scherzer and Steven Strasburg, who are a combined 21-8 this season.
However, the Nationals might not own an 11 1/2-game lead in the National League East if not for Gio Gonzalez. The 10-year veteran is 8-4 with a 2.66 ERA this season, and he is 72-49 with a 3.50 ERA since he came to Washington in 2012.
He starts the finale of a two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday coming off a stout 8 1/3 scoreless innings in a win against Cincinnati.