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Gonzalez shoots for 14th win, as Nats wrap up set with Brewers

Jul 29, 2012 - 1:16 PM (Sports Network) - Gio Gonzalez goes after his 14th win of the season this afternoon when the Washington Nationals conclude a four-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

After a brief two-game losing streak, Gonzalez got himself back into the win column on Tuesday with a spectacular effort against the New York Mets, as he held them to an unearned run and two hits in seven innings. He also walked two and struck out four, while improving to 13-5 to go along with a 3.13 ERA.

"I think it was just one of those things where you want to bounce back," Gonzalez said. "You want to bounce back as a pitcher. You don't want to feel down and out. These guys came up to me and gave me some positive energy, positive feedback. I wanted to go out there and give them everything I can."

Gonzalez, who has never faced the Brewers, is tied for the National League lead in wins with St. Louis' Lance Lynn and New York's R.A. Dickey, who also pitches on Sunday. Tampa Bay's David Price is the only starter in the league with 14 victories.

Milwaukee had hoped to start Zack Greinke this afternoon, but the former AL Cy Young Award winner was shipped to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Friday. So instead it will be former first round pick Mark Rogers.

Rogers, the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft, made two starts and appeared in four games for the Brewers in 2010 and pitched to a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings.

"I'm back, hopefully, to the guy [Roenicke] saw on the film," Rogers said. "Over the last month, I feel like my stuff is better than it was back in 2010. I think that has a lot to do with repeating my delivery, being consistent and being confident. Confidence is so important. I feel like I'm back to being confident again and trusting my stuff."

On Saturday, Washington hit three home runs to back six strong innings from Jordan Zimmermann as the Nationals rolled to a 4-1 win. Corey Brown, Tyler Moore and Ryan Zimmerman each went deep for the Nationals, who have won seven of their last eight games.

Zimmermann (8-6) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out five to win his fifth straight decision. Tyler Clippard tossed a perfect ninth to record his 19th save of the season.

Randy Wolf (3-7) surrendered all four runs on nine hits and a walk through seven innings to take the loss for Milwaukee, which has dropped eight of its last nine.

"I thought he threw the ball well. They didn't square up too many balls against him. They squared up on four balls and three were home runs," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said about Wolf. "It's frustrating for him. I know how hard he works. When he makes a mistake it ends up being a home run."

Washington won three straight in April and Milwaukee took three straight in May. The Brewers have won the season series each year since 2006.