Just off the pace in the NL East race, the struggling Washington Nationals begin a lengthy road trip that features matchups with two playoff contenders. Gio Gonzalez will try to kick that off by earning a fifth consecutive win Monday night against the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, who are returning home after getting swept. Washington (57-53) has the majors' fifth-worst record since the All-Star break at 9-14, opening the second half by dropping two of three to Los Angeles from July 17-19.