Giants, Nationals Set for Series Opener in Washington

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The San Francisco Giants, fresh off a shutout victory, open a three-game series against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday night.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 89 degrees.

The Giants (7-12) arrive after a 3-0 win at Cincinnati on Thursday, powered by a dominant pitching performance. Landen Roupp, a player to watch for San Francisco, tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six. Over his last four starts, Roupp is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.

San Francisco will send right-hander Logan Webb (1-2, ERA N/A) to the mound. The Nationals (9-10) counter with right-hander Zack Littell (0-1, ERA N/A). Washington is coming off an 8-7, 10-inning win at Pittsburgh on Thursday, in which reliever Orlando Ribalta pitched a scoreless inning. Ribalta has not allowed a run in his last two appearances.

Despite their losing record, the Giants are slight favorites according to betting markets, installed at -1.5. The over/under is set at 8 runs. Projections are split: Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 5-3 Nationals victory, while its ELO rating system gives San Francisco a 55% probability to win.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday before the Giants return home to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Washington will host the Atlanta Braves for four games beginning Monday.