VIERA, Fla. – Gio Gonzalez allowed one hit and struck out seven over four innings as the Washington Nationals closed out their spring training in Florida with a 5-1 victory over the New York Mets.
Daniel Murphy singled in the first inning, his first at-bat in a major league game this spring. The Mets' second baseman has been slowed by a strained right intercostal muscle but he thinks he'll be ready Monday for opening day. Murphy also slid headfirst into second base tagging up on a fly ball.
Adam LaRoche and Danny Espinosa each hit a solo home run in the second inning for the defending NL East champion Nationals.
Gonzalez, who went 21-8 last season, showed he is ready for the regular season, allowing only a first-inning single by New York's Daniel Murphy.
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