Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Tanner Roark (11-6, 3.02 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (65-45) meet Madison Bumgarner (10-6, 2.25 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (63-47) in the last of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The Giants won the last game 7-1, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 7 and will air on MASN, CSBA and TBS.
In his last start, Roark pitched 6.1 innings, giving up three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 10-4 victory over the Diamondbacks. The Giants were unsuccessful against the Phillies 13-8 the last time Bumgarner pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing eight runs (four unearned), striking out four and walking two. Brandon Belt (.287, 53 Rs, 13 HRs, 55 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Giants, going 3 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Washington is a small +100 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Nationals are in an interesting position this season. While it has a notable overall money line (+131), its record as the underdog (9-15) is less impressive. The Nationals rank fifth in the majors in home runs with 146. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Nationals are third in the league in WHIP at 1.165.
Switching to the opposing dugout, the Giants come into this game with a solid win percentage of .648 when playing as the favorite (46-25) and an overall money line of +311. They have a WHIP of 1.223, fifth best in the MLB.
The Nationals will take on a left-hander (Bumgarner) in this game and have a 15-11 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Roark will take the mound against the Giants, who have a 39-33 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Nationals are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Giants have a 27-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Giants are 12-33. The Nationals have an 11-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 27th in home runs, San Francisco has hit 93 this season. Washington ranks fifth with 146 home runs.
Ranking eighth, Washington is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.61 per game. San Francisco ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.85.
Ranking 16th, San Francisco is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.736). Washington ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .759.
When the Giants allow at least one home run, they are 28-37. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 37-35 record.
