Nationals vs Giants Predictions and Picks

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Preview

Where: AT&T Park, San Francisco

When: Sunday, July 31, 4:05 PM ET

Line: Washington Nationals (-120) at San Francisco Giants (+110); total: 8.5 – view all MLB lines

TV Broadcast: MASN 2, CSBA

Writer’s Pick: San Francisco Giants (+110)

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Pitching Edge – Washington Nationals (-120)

Starting for the Washington Nationals in the final game of this four-game set is Gio Gonzalez (6-8, 4.44 ERA). He gave up three runs over 6.1 innings with four strikeouts and two walks in a no-decision Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians. Washington lost that game, 7-6. The Nats are now 3-2 in their last five games with Gonzalez as their starter. After a horrific June (6.83 ERA, 15 walks in 27 innings), Gonzalez has rediscovered his old form, producing three quality starts in four outings this month.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants will counter with Matt Cain (2-6, 5.95 ERA). He finally earned his second victory of the season in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds. Cain allowed four runs in 5.1 innings in the Giants’ 9-7 win on Tuesday. He didn’t pitch particularly well in that ballgame as he once again yielded a pair of homers. Cain has now surrendered five home runs since returning from the disabled list on July 20.

Batting Edge – San Francisco Giants (+110)

The San Francisco Giants finally snapped their three-game losing streak on Saturday and they have their much-maligned offense to thank for that. Joe Panik hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to lead the Giants to the all-important comeback victory. Eduardo Nunez also contributed in his first start with San Francisco, driving in a two-run double against the Nats. The reeling Giants also got a major boost on Saturday with the return of Hunter Pence. Pence, who missed San Francisco’s last 48 games because of a strained right hamstring, went 1-of-3 for the Giants who had lost 11 of their previous 13 games.

The Giants will need to be at their best, though, if they are to keep pace with the steamrolling Nationals. The Nats have outscored the Giants, 11-8, in the opening three games of this series. The Nationals are second in the National League in homers (139) and fourth in RBIs (467) and runs scored (482). For the Nationals to grab the series victory today, they will need Trea Turner to continue his stellar play. He is 10-of-22 in his last six games with four RBIs and two walks. Another guy who’s expected to step up for Washington today is Stephen Drew. He is 12-of-35 lifetime against Giants starter Matt Cain with three homers and seven RBIs.