Max Scherzer (11-8, 2.44 ERA) takes the hill for the Washington Nationals (58-56) as they square off against Matt Cain (2-3, 5.59 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (61-53) in the second of a four-game series at AT&T Park. The Giants won the last game 3-1 and San Francisco leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 10:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 14 and can be seen on CSBy and MAS2.
Cain pitched 4.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering five runs, striking out two and walking five in an 8-6 defeat to the Cubs. Buster Posey (.332, 57 Rs, 16 HRs, 76 RBIs, 2 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. Scherzer went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out 10 and walking one in a 6-4 defeat to the Rockies in his most recent start. Bryce Harper (.332, 77 Rs, 29 HRs, 69 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Nationals, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one stolen base.
Washington takes on San Francisco as a -145 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at seven runs. The Giants have an overall money line of +75 and a record as the underdog of 27-24. San Francisco has gone winless (0-5) as the underdog and 3-7 SU in its last 10 outings. The Giants are one of the best in the NL in terms of hits at home with an impressive 8.8 per game.
In games where it is the favorite, Washington has a 45-34 record and an overall money line of -891. When it comes to issuing walks, the Nationals have the fewest in the NL with only 2.2 walks allowed per game.
The Nationals lead the season series, 3-1. The Giants have a 45-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Scherzer takes the mound. Cain (RHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 43-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
The Giants managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are coming in with a 25-15 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Giants are 5-35. The Nationals have a 9-48 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 20th in home runs, San Francisco has hit 99 this season. Washington ranks 11th with 113 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.36 per game. San Francisco ranks in the top five at second with 9.30.
Ranking 17th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.707). San Francisco ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .738.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 23-34, well-matched with the Giants who are 28-37 when allowing at least one homer.
