This is a 7* MID-CHALK CHOKE-OUT on the Washington Nationals.

I think the home side comes in focused in the opener of this four-game set and finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Nats are coming off a 4-3 win over the Fish last night and will send southpaw Gio Gonzalez (6-6, 3.56 ERA) to the hill; Gonzalez is only 3-5 in his last 12 starts despite posting a very respectable 3.80 ERA in the process. Most recently Gonzalez would limit the Reds to a run and four hits over seven frames in a 1-0 loss on Saturday; note that he's posted a tiny 1.66 ERA over his last six starts. Also note that Gonzalez is 5-3 with a 2.48 ERA in nine career matchups vs. the Phillies who counter with the beleagured Cliff Lee (4-5, 3.37 ERA); Lee has struggled in two starts since returning from the DL, the veteran has allowed a whopping nine runs off 21 hits over his last 10 2/3's innings of work. Note that Philadelphia's bullpen has been atrocious of late as well, the relievers gave up seven runs over two innings of an 11-2 beatdown loss by the Mets yesterday. Expect Gonzalez and the home side to make the most of this matchup; play on WASHINGTON.

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