In the third of a four-game series between the San Francisco Giants (62-53) and the Washington Nationals (58-57) at AT&T Park, Jake Peavy (2-5, 3.75 ERA) and Gio Gonzalez (9-4, 3.50 ERA) take the mound. The Giants won the last game 8-5 and San Francisco leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 10:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15 and will air on CSBy, FS1 and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, Peavy pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking two in a 2-0 loss to the Cubs. Brandon Belt (.275, 54 Rs, 17 HRs, 54 RBIs, 7 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one RBI. The Nationals were victorious the last time Gonzalez pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking one in an 8-3 victory over the Dodgers. Bryce Harper (.332, 78 Rs, 30 HRs, 73 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and four RBIs.
San Francisco is a small underdog (-101) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Giants are 28-24 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +195. They are 1-4 as the underdog over their last 10 games. The Giants rank fifth in the NL in hits at home with 8.8 per game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Nationals come into this game with a win percentage of .562 when playing as the favorite (45-35) and an overall money line of -1,021. They also allow just 2.2 walks per game, best in the NL.
In their previous five games this season, the Nationals have a 3-2 record. This game will feature Gonzalez (LHP) on the mound against the Giants, who have a 15-10 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Nationals will be the right-hander Peavy. They sport a 43-45 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Washington has won 54% (27-23) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, San Francisco has won 60% (27-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Giants have a 27-28 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Giants are 5-35. The Nationals have a 9-49 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 21st in home runs, San Francisco has hit 101 this season. Washington ranks 11th with 115 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.33 per game. San Francisco ranks in the top five at second with 9.29.
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 sixth with an OPS of .742.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 23-35. When the Giants allow one or more homers, they have a 29-37 record.
