Nationals LHP Gonzalez starting Game 5 versus Cubs

Oct 12, 2017 - 7:04 PM The Washington Nationals announced left-hander Gio Gonzalez as their starter for Thursday's winner-take-all Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the visiting Chicago Cubs.

Gonzalez, who was given the nod over right-hander Tanner Roark, will be opposed by Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks.

The 32-year-old Gonzalez allowed three runs on as many hits in five innings of a no-decision in Game 2 on Saturday. He struck out six and walked two.

Hendricks recorded the win in Game 1 when he permitted just two hits and struck out six over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old owns a 2-2 mark in five career starts against the Nationals and is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA against Washington this season.

The winner of Thursday's game will advance to the NLCS to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.