Nats name LHP Gonzalez starter for Game 5 of NLDS vs. Cubs

WASHINGTON – Left-hander Gio Gonzalez will start Game 5 for the Washington Nationals in their N.L. Division Series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Nationals announced their pitching choice on Twitter a little less than six hours before the deciding game is scheduled to begin at Nationals Park on Thursday night.

Gonzalez started Game 2 of the series, also at home, and allowed three runs in five innings of what became a 6-3 victory for Washington. He gave up homers to Willson Contreras and Anthony Rizzo.

Gonzalez was the starter in Game 5 of the 2012 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, a game Washington led 6-0 before losing 9-7.

The Nationals have never won a postseason series.

Gonzalez was the choice for this Game 5 over Tanner Roark.

Kyle Hendricks starts for Chicago.