Wire Taps: Gio Gonzalez changes pitching style with success; Erick Fedde shut down; Giancarlo Stanton hits another against Nats

Now *that* is what I’m talking about. Runs! Pitching! Welcome back, Nationals! (Also: running through clinch scenarios: Assuming the Nats get the magic number down to eight, one would assume that they would have to get the job done over their upcoming eleven-game homestand, right?)

Here’s the beat from Marlins Park.

Gio Gonzalez, pitching smart instead of hard, has taken the right steps to prolong his career
Power lefties typically fizzle out somewhere around age 30, and then spend the rest of their career in the bullpen or in the minors looking for what they once had. Gio Gonzalez, however, decided to adapt instead of acquiesce to time's pull, throwing more and more off-speed, and differentiating every single pitch from the last one.

Giancarlo Stanton hits HR No. 53 vs. Nationals
"Giancarlo Stanton continues to track toward the 60-home-run mark, but on Monday night, the balanced power of the Nationals was on display at Marlins Park."

Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon power Nationals to 7-2 win over Marlins
"By now, Nationals pitchers know the plan for Marlins hitters so well they could recite it in their sleep."

Scherzer still recovering from bruised calf (Nats win 7-2)
"Scherzer, who took a line drive off his lower left leg Saturday night in Milwaukee, was still walking with a slight limp this afternoon at Marlins Park."

Erick Fedde shut down for rest of season due to an "abundance of caution"
The Nats don't particularly *need* Erick Fedde, though he'd be nice to have around. Either way, three seasons after Tommy John surgery, the Nats decided to shut it all down at the first sight of any arm discomfort.

Opposite dugout: For the Marlins to make the postseason, they essentially need to win every game
The Marlins have a losing record, but the top-heavy NL has left them in contention (if barely) for the second Wild Card spot. The team is pretty much in a position where they simply can't afford to lose.

Murphy, Rendon power Nationals over Stanton, Marlins in 7-2 victory
The. Magic. Number. Is. Now. 10. Also. The. Offense. Is. Back. (For. Now.)

Soto with big day, AFL roster set for Nats prospects
"The Arizona Fall League entrant for the Nationals this season is the Mesa Solar Sox."

Giancarlo Stanton cannot stop hitting homers off the Nationals
In 103 games against the Nationals, Giancarlo Stanton has -- get this -- 34 home runs. Percentage wise, literally equating to one every three games. Assuming four at-bats a game, Giancarlo Stanton will hit one every twelve at-bats against the Nats.

Today’s Game: Nationals vs Marlins — 7:10 PM
Probable Pitchers: Stephen Strasburg vs Odrisamer Despaigne
Magic Number: 10