5*

St. Louis vs. Washington, 10/12/2012 20:37 EDT, Score: 9 - 7

Money Line: -130 Washington

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Loss

The Washington Nationals are hoping the momentum of a dramatic victory in front of a raucous crowd will carry over into another must-win game.
Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez has not allowed an earned run over his last 23 innings.

The Cardinals were limited to three hits Thursday and its up to Gonzalez to hold St. Louis in check Friday. He made his playoff debut Sunday in Game 1, allowing two runs and walking seven over five innings in a 3-2 road victory.
I expect him to have much better control and demand at home.

He'll also be more confident at home, where he has won his last four outings including his 23-inning stretch without yielding an earned run. He dominated St. Louis by striking out eight in a five-hitter during a 10-0 home victory Aug. 31.
Look for Washington to come out on top in a low scoring game behind their ACE on the mound.