ODDS ANALYSIS
The Giants and Nationals square off for the first time since meeting in the 2014 NL Division Series, which the Giants won in four games. San Francisco’s road trip got off to a rocky start with a three-game sweep at Miami with the team’s usually reliable pitching staff getting beat up.
The Giants’ offense is fine, holding the second-highest batting average in the big leagues, scoring 44 runs in the seven games before this series, and cashing the over each time. The over is 10-3-1 in SF’s last 14 games and 25-11-3 after 39 road contests.
The Nationals better be concerned with their own play and holding onto the lead in the NL East rather than payback after losing in last year’s NLDS to the Giants. Following an eight-game win streak that lifted them to a comfortable lead in the division, the Nats’ dropped three of four losing once in Philadelphia and twice in Atlanta, allowing the Braves to stay within shouting distance. The Nats return home, where they are most comfortable, having won the final six games of their most recent homestand for a 22-14 record up 3.42 units on the moneyline.
PITCHING MATCHUP
With their starting rotation in flux, the Giants haven’t committed to naming a starter for this game, but it’s expected to be Ryan Vogelsong (6-6, 4.19 ERA), who allowed four runs over six innings in a loss to the Marlins on Tuesday. He surrendered two home runs among seven hits allowed and has given up 12 homers in 86 innings.
Vogelsong has five starts in his nine career appearances against the Nats, going 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA over 30.2 innings.
Jordan Zimmerman (6-5, 3.16 ERA) silenced the Braves’ bats in 7.2 shutout innings to earn a win on Tuesday. He’s thrown 16.2 scoreless innings citing excellent command of his curveball for the recent success. He’s posted a 1.19 ERA in his last three starts striking out 17 while walking just one.
Zimmerman last faced the Giants in Game 2 of the 2014 NLDS giving up just three hits and a run in a game SF won 2-1. He’s 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA in eight career starts against them.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I just had a good curveball the last two starts and felt like I could throw it when I wanted, where I wanted to, any count to keep them off-balance. And pound the zone and let those guys behind me play defense.” – Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmerman after throwing 7.2 shutout innings Tuesday night.
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
A staple of the Giants championship winning teams was excellent pitching. But the Giants have been underwhelming on the mound since Chris Heston’s no-hitter on June 9 with the starting rotation posting a 4.26 ERA in 21 games. The bullpen has been worse, logging a 7.20 ERA in the last seven games and figures to be without closer Santiago Casilla for the next few games with a tired arm. It’s hard to believe his arm is fatigued after throwing just 29.2 innings, but he blew his fourth save of the year and took the loss all in 11 pitches Wednesday in Miami surrendering a walk-off three-run homer in the ninth inning of a 6-5 loss. Look for manager Bruce Bochy to play the matchups with Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo should a save opportunity arise.
PROP TALK
With Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon all out of the lineup, much of the offensive load has fallen on the shoulders of Bryce Harper, and he’s responded to the challenge. He doubled in Thursday’s loss to the Braves to extend his hit streak to five games and is hitting .339 entering the series with 24 home runs and 58 RBIs. Harper likes hitting at Nationals Park, where he has a .336 average with 14 of his homers and 32 driven in over 34 games. He has just one hit in eight at-bats facing Ryan Vogelsong but 20 of his home runs are off right handed pitchers.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Glancing over the Giants roster it’s hard to believe this team has the second-highest team batting average in baseball. Sure Buster Posey is a stud, but Gregor Blanco and Joe Panik hitting over .300, really. We’ve seen the averages for Angel Pagan and Brando Belt dip to where they belong and it’s just a matter of time before the others join them. Nats’ starter Jordan Zimmerman is dealing and he silences the Giants’ bats just like he did to his previous three opponents.
Washington 5, San Francisco 2
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2015, at 8:08 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. The matchup can be seen live on ESPN.
