Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants Picks and Predictions August 7th 2024

Fresh off no-hitter, Giants’ Blake Snell aims to jolt Nationals

There looks to be a chance for light rain in Washington, D.C., where the Nationals and Giants are facing off. First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 6:45 PM ET. MASN is carrying this game on TV.

The over/under line is currently at 8 runs, and the Giants are favored on the money line, with their odds sitting at -161 compared to +137 for the Nationals. Jake Irvin is starting for the Nationals, and the Giants are starting Blake Snell. San Francisco is 4th in the NL West, while the Nationals are 4th in the NL East.

San Francisco vs. Washington Key Information

• Teams: Giants at Nationals
• Where: Nationals Park Washington
• Date: Wednesday, August 7th
• Betting Odds SF -161 | WSH +137 O/U 8

The Giants Can Win If…

Blake Snell gets the start for the Giants today as he faces the Nationals on the road. So far this season, he has made 11 starts and has a record of 1-3 with an ERA of 4.29. Snell’s WHIP for the season is currently 1.13. In his last outing, he pitched a gem, going nine innings and not giving up a run. He finished with 11 strikeouts in that outing. Before that, he had two straight starts where he didn’t give up an earned run but finished with a no-decision in both. Snell has one complete game shutout this year.

San Francisco’s offense has been pretty consistent this season, as they are averaging 4.4 runs per game at home, on the road, and for the season, which is 15th in the league. The Giants are also 15th in home runs and have the league’s 11th best team batting average at .244. Heading into the game, they have a few players on some nice hitting streaks, including Michael Conforto and Jerar Encarnacion, who are both on four-game streaks.

Matt Chapman and Heliot Ramos have been the Giants’ top power bats this season, with Chapman leading the team with 18 homers and Ramos right behind him at 16. Chapman has also driven in a team-high 54 runs. Over his last seven games, Chapman has gone 7/27 with three homers, while Tyler Fitzgerald has also gone deep three times in this stretch, hitting .310.

• The Giants are 7-3 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Giants are 3-2 vs. the run line.
• San Francisco has an over/under record of 4-6 in their last ten games.
• The Giants have an average of 4.8 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Giants are 5-5
• Looking back across the Giants last five games as the favorite, they are 4-1
• San Francisco has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Giants have averaged 4.3 runs per game on offense

The Nationals Can Win If…

Jake Irvin gets the start for the Nationals today and will be looking to bounce back from a rough outing vs. the Brewers. In that start, he took the loss, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up four earned runs. Looking back further, he has allowed at least two earned runs in each of his last three outings. Against the Giants today, Irvin will look to pitch more like he did on July 27th vs. the Cardinals, where he picked up the win, going 5 1/3 innings and giving up just two earned runs. For the season, he is 8-9 with a 3.56 ERA and has issued just 2.15 walks per nine innings.

Washington’s offense has been one of the worst home run hitting teams in the league this season, and they are also just 16th in runs scored, averaging 4.3 runs per game. As a team, they are batting .243, which is the 12th best mark in the league right now. The Nationals have been striking out at a good rate this season and are 6th in the league in fewest strikeouts.

CJ Abrams has been the Nationals’ top power threat this season, as his 17 homers is the best mark on the team and 14th best in the MLB. However, he has hit just .179 over his last nine games. Luis Garcia Jr. has been hot of late, going 12/31 in his last eight games, and he is currently on a seven-game hitting streak.

• The Nationals are 4-6 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Nationals are 3-2 vs. the run line.
• Washington has an over/under record of 7-3 in their last ten games.
• The Nationals have an average of 5.0 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Nationals are 4-6
• Looking back across the Nationals last five games as the favorite, they are 3-2
• Washington has gone 2-1 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Nationals have averaged 5.3 runs per game on offense

The Lean

Our projections have this Giants vs. Nationals matchup as the 11th highest-scoring game of the day, and our lean would be to the over. As for who is going to take this one straight up, we have our lean on the Giants to pick up the win. San Francisco starter Blake Snell is 12th in our projections in starting pitcher strikeouts, while Jake Irvin is 20th for the Nationals.

Blake Snell, the left-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, recently stunned the baseball world with his first career complete game, a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. This remarkable performance not only marked a significant personal milestone for Snell but also provided a much-needed boost for the Giants as they fight for a playoff spot. As Snell prepares to face the Washington Nationals, the question on everyone’s mind is: What does Blake Snell have in store for an encore?

Blake Snell’s Stunning No-Hitter

Snell’s Career Milestone

Last Friday in Cincinnati, Blake Snell delivered an unforgettable performance by pitching his first complete game in a no-hitter. Over nine innings, Snell struck out 11 batters, allowed just three walks, and led the Giants to a 3-0 victory. This game not only showcased Snell’s exceptional talent but also silenced critics who questioned his ability to pitch complete games.

Snell’s feat was especially significant as it marked his first win of the season, improving his record to 1-3 with a 4.29 ERA. “Complete game. Shutout. No-hitter. Leave me alone,” Snell said after the game, responding to the criticism he has faced throughout his career, which includes two Cy Young Awards and an All-Star selection.

Turning Point in the Season

Snell’s no-hitter came at a crucial time for the Giants, who are currently 4.5 games behind the last wild-card spot in the National League. His performance provided a morale boost and highlighted his potential to be a key player as the team aims for a postseason run.

Upcoming Matchup Against the Nationals

A Chance for Redemption

Blake Snell is set to take the mound again on Wednesday as the Giants play the third game of their four-game series against the Washington Nationals. This game will be Snell’s second matchup against the Nationals this season. In their first encounter on April 8, Snell struggled, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in just three innings, leading to an 8-1 loss.

However, Snell is a different pitcher now. Over his last five starts, he has posted an impressive 0.55 ERA, allowing just two earned runs over 33 innings. His recent success can be attributed to a change in strategy, focusing more on attacking hitters early with his fastball and not trying to get “cute,” even with his effective curveball.

Facing the Nationals

The Nationals, coming off an 11-5 victory against the Giants on Tuesday, are determined to challenge Snell. They rebounded from a 4-1 setback in the series opener and demonstrated their potential to pose a threat, despite their struggles this season. Snell’s ability to maintain his dominant form will be crucial for the Giants as they seek to secure a win.

Snell’s Season Performance and Adjustments

Overcoming Early Season Struggles

Blake Snell’s season began with challenges, including an adductor strain and a groin injury that contributed to a disappointing 9.51 ERA over his first six starts. However, Snell has shown resilience and adaptability, refining his pitching approach and overcoming physical setbacks.

His recent performances reflect a renewed focus and determination. Snell had a career-high 15 strikeouts in six innings against the Colorado Rockies on July 27, just before his no-hitter. This turnaround highlights his potential to be a game-changer for the Giants as they aim to stay competitive.

Strategy and Execution

Snell attributes his recent success to a more aggressive pitching strategy, focusing on establishing control with his fastball early in the count. By attacking hitters and utilizing his powerful arsenal, Snell has regained his confidence and effectiveness on the mound.

Giants’ Challenges and Playoff Aspirations

Hitting Struggles

While Blake Snell’s performance provides hope, the Giants face ongoing challenges, particularly with situational hitting. Manager Bob Melvin has expressed concern over the team’s inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position, a problem that has persisted for weeks. Despite their recent 4-0 lead in the first inning on Tuesday, the Giants went 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position, contributing to their loss.

Impact of Injuries

The Giants are also dealing with the absence of infielder Wilmer Flores, who will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery. Flores was a key player for the Giants, leading the team in home runs last year and providing clutch performances. His absence leaves a significant gap that the team will need to address as they strive for a playoff spot.

Nationals’ Pitching Matchup

Jake Irvin’s Challenge

On Wednesday, Blake Snell will face Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin, who has an 8-9 record with a 3.56 ERA. Irvin, 27, has struggled recently, posting a 1-3 record in his last five starts. In his most recent outing, Irvin allowed four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers, resulting in an 8-3 loss.

Irvin’s First Encounter with the Giants

Wednesday’s game will mark Jake Irvin’s first matchup against the San Francisco Giants in his young career. Irvin will need to find a way to counter Snell’s current form if the Nationals hope to gain an advantage in the series.

Blake Snell’s Impact on the Giants

Key to Playoff Contention

Blake Snell’s resurgence is pivotal for the San Francisco Giants as they push for a playoff spot. His ability to deliver strong performances on the mound can provide the stability and confidence the team needs during this critical stretch of the season. Snell’s focus on aggressive pitching and adaptability will be crucial as the Giants aim to remain competitive in the National League.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

The Giants will need to rely on their depth and leadership to navigate the challenges they face. As they adjust to the absence of Wilmer Flores and work to improve their situational hitting, the team’s overall performance will be essential in determining their postseason fate.

Conclusion

Blake Snell’s no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds is a testament to his skill and potential impact on the San Francisco Giants’ season. As they face the Washington Nationals, the team’s ability to capitalize on Snell’s strong performances and address their hitting challenges will be key to their playoff hopes. With Snell’s aggressive pitching and adaptability, the Giants have a stronger chance of making a postseason run.

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