Nationals’ Gonzalez Solid In 5-2 Win Over Braves

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) – Gio Gonzalez pitched three scoreless innings in his Washington debut, leading the Nationals to a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Gonzalez, acquired in a trade during the offseason from the Oakland Athletics, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two.

He was 16-12 last season with Oakland and had a 3.12 ERA. No other Nationals pitcher had more than 10 wins last season.

Jayson Werth, coming off a disappointing 2011 season, homered to right to put the Nationals ahead. Chad Tracy doubled in two runs in the third to put Washington ahead, 3-0.

Kris Medlen started for the Braves and went two innings and gave up three hits – including the Werth homer. Medlen is a candidate for one of the two vacancies in Atlanta’s starting rotation.

Brett Carroll also had two hits for the Nationals.