Overview
The San Francisco Giants are in the nations capital tonight for the fist game of their playoff series with the Washington Nationals. The Giants spanked the Pirates 8-0 in their wild card game on Tuesday for their right to play the Nationals. The Nationals got the best of the Giants in the regular season winning the season series 4 games to 2.
Head to Head Trends
Giants are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings.
Giants are 2-9 in the last 11 meetings in Washington.
Washington Nationals (-177)
The Washington Nationals finished 1st in the National League East with a 96-66 record which was also the best record in the National League. The Nationals are the best most rounded team in the NL they can get it done on both sides of the ball. They had the 3rd highest scoring offense averaging 4.23 runs per game plus they had the lowest runs allowed with just 3.43 runs per game. At home they were 51-30 which was tied for the best home record in the NL with both the St Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. At home they averaged 4.47 runs per game on offense and allowed 3.44 runs per game on defense. On the mound for the Nationals today is Stephan Strasburg who was 14-11 with a 3.14 ERA on the season. Strasburg struggled at times this season especially on the road but he did finish the season throwing very well not giving up a run in his last 3 starts.
Washington Nationals Trends
Nationals are 36-15 in their last 51 overall.
Nationals are 7-2 in Strasburgs last 9 starts.
San Francisco Giants (+167)
The San Francisco Giants finished 2nd in the National League West 14 games over .500 with a 88-74 record. The Giants are a good team overall but they just don’t do anything great, they’re kind of like the Nationals lite. They can hit the ball decent averaging 4.13 runs per game and they can also pitch pretty good allowing 3.77 runs per game both of which are good numbers but they’re just 5th and 6th in those category’s not 1st and 3rd like the Nationals.
San Francisco Giants Trends
Giants are 22-8 in their last 30 playoff games.
Giants are 6-0 in Peavys last 6 starts.
Giants are 14-29 in their last 43 vs. a team with a winning record.
Conclusion
I like the Nationals to get it done and beat the Giants in this one. The Nationals are really just the better team overall plus they have Strasburg on the mound who has been very impressive lately.
Free Pick: Washington Nationals -177
